Koch Industries’ senior demolition project manager joins WDS 2025 lineup

Christopher Dowdell, Senior Project Manager at Koch Industries. (PHOTO: Koch Industries/GAPAC)

Chris is a demolition and decommissioning professional with over 20 years of industry expertise in contracting, consulting, and project management. His career spans business development, project management, and cost estimation for complex demolition projects across multiple industrial sectors.

As a Senior Demolition Project Manager at Koch Industries, Chris manages risk, develops project scopes and budgets, and oversees the safe and efficient decommissioning of retired assets. He collaborates with facility stakeholders, contractors, and consultants to align projects with business objectives while maintaining safety and efficiency.

Commenting on his addition to the 2025 WDS programme, Leila Steed, WDS Programme Organiser, said: “Within the first five minutes of speaking with Chris, I knew we had to have him as part of this year’s conference.

“His approach to demolition isn’t just about safety and execution—it’s rooted and guided by a set of fundamental principles that go beyond strategy, collaboration, and ensuring that projects align with business goals.

“Chris brings a wealth of experience in managing risk, coordinating with stakeholders, and driving efficiency in high-stakes projects, and I’m confident his insights on what industrial clients are looking for in their project partners will resonate with WDS delegates.”

Prior to joining Koch Industries, Chris worked at Burns & McDonnell, leading large-scale decommissioning and demolition (D&D) programs across industries including chemical, automotive, aerospace, pulp and paper, power, and pharmaceuticals. His experience covers estimating, asset evaluation, hazardous material assessments, and environmental remediation.

Chris has also held leadership roles at HDR Engineering and Brandenburg Industrial Service Company, developing decommissioning programmes, securing major demolition contracts, and leading business development in emerging markets. He has played a key role in power plant closures, industrial facility retirements, and large-scale asset recovery projects.

A graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Business Administration and Management, Chris has completed multiple industry training programs, including NDA Foundations of Demolition and OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations. His expertise in demolition best practices and regulatory compliance makes him a trusted industry leader.

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