ATLANTA - Herman J. Russell, who built his construction firm into one of the largest black-owned businesses in the country, is stepping down as chief executive and turning over the management to his son. Russell, 72, will remain chairman of H.J. Russell & Co., which has helped build city landmarks including the Georgia Dome, Coca-Cola headquarters and Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport's main terminal.
Michael Russell, 38, will take over day-to-day management, the elder Russell announced Monday.
His oldest son, H. Jerome Russell, 41, will continue as president of the company, a post he has held since 1994.
"We all reached the decision that we all agree that Michael was ready and was the ideal person for that position," the elder Russell said. "For what Jerome wanted to do, it was the ideal position."
Privately-held H.J. Russell & Co. had revenue of $225 million in 2002 and employs 700 people. It also has operations in Baltimore, Birmingham, Ala.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Chicago; Dallas; Miami; Newark, N.J.; New York; Phoenix; St. Louis and Tampa, Fla.
