Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Benda joined Westwood in 1987 and leads firm as Chief Executive Officer. Through his exemplary leadership and strategic approach, the company diversified its client portfolio well beyond retail to include hospitality, healthcare, commercial office spaces, and e-commerce fulfillment/warehouse facilities. Benda has consistently led the company though significant challenges from major economic downturns to periods of strong growth, always ensuring business continuity and constantly strengthening Westwood’s foundation for success. Over the course of his career, he honed his executive leadership skills by directing the dynamic marketing, operations, finance, real estate, and organizational development of respected regional, national, and international retailers. Previously, Benda held senior executive positions with several iconic Fort Worth institutions – including president of The Bombay Company and chief operating officer of Edison’s Jewelers. He is a founding member and past President of the Retail Contractors Association and holds positions on the boards of several well-respected non-profit and community service organizations in the Fort Worth area. Benda served as chairman of the Tarrant County Community College Foundation Board through which, as a champion of our industry, he established a perpetual scholarship for students enrolled in TCC’s Construction Management Program. He has been named among Fort Worth’s Top 400 most influential people by Fort Worth, Inc. magazine (2018, 2019, and 2020). Through Benda’s profound business acumen combined with his depth of understanding from both the client and general contractor perspectives, his continued guidance as chairman of the board elevates the company’s performance and competitive advantage.