Uber chairman joins Vancouver-based green construction startup
A Vancouver-based green construction startup, known for developing an alternative to concrete as a building material, has named Ronald Sugar as one of its new members of its board of directors.
Nexii Building Solutions announced this week Sugar, the chairman of Uber and a board director of Apple, has joined the company’s advisory board. Other new board members include AECOM chairman and CEO Michael Burke, and business executives Ram Charan and Dennis Carey, according to a release.
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“From Michael’s experience as Chairman and CEO of one of the world’s largest infrastructure firms to Ron’s insight as a key leader at Uber and Apple, their collective business experience in leading and advising some of the world’s most innovative companies will be invaluable as we work to scale Nexii across North America,” said Stephen Sidwell, CEO of Nexii, in a statement.
The 2018-founded company developed Nexiite, a proprietary material that can replace concrete for certain building applications, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions. It can be used for a wide range of new building types and designs, as well as for structural renovations.
When paired with the company’s design and assembly process, the use of Nexiite can reduce construction time by up to 75%, lower construction costs, and eliminate the need for scaffolding. They claim it is durable and safer, and resistant to fire, water, mold, mildew, and insects.
As well, between 60% and 85% is factory-built, allowing for assembly in any weather conditions with fewer delays, and less construction site waste.
“Today’s most successful companies champion innovation, continually pushing boundaries and looking for ever smarter ways to work and do business,” said Sugar.
“That is what Nexii is all about. I’m looking forward to lending my experience to the Nexii senior leadership team as they scale this exciting business internationally.”
Early this year, Nexii began the process of building its first full-scale commercial production plant in Squamish, with this Nexiite factory generating about 150 full-time, highly-skilled jobs upon opening later in 2020.
The company also appointed former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson as its executive vice-president of strategy and partnerships.
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