Vortex Companies appoints Ram Vela as Chief Strategy Officer
Trenchless leader The Vortex Companies has promoted Ram Vela to Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). The appointment follows several other recent leadership shifts by Vortex as part of its broader growth strategy. In this new role, Vela will be responsible for shaping and institutionalizing the company's long-term strategic vision, and aligning growth initiatives across domestic and international markets.
Vela previously served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Analytics, where he focused exclusively on executing the Company's acquisition strategy. He has been instrumental in expanding Vortex's service and product portfolio, integrating these businesses, and fostering a culture of innovation across all business units.
"Ram has always been a catalyst and visionary within Vortex—anticipating industry shifts and charting a path forward to help us stay ahead of the curve," said Mike Vellano, CEO of Vortex Companies. "His ability to bridge the technical and commercial sides of our business makes him uniquely suited to lead our strategic direction as we scale and evolve."
As CSO, Vela will focus on identifying new market opportunities and strategic partnerships, supporting M&A initiatives, and accelerating the integration of advanced technologies that align with Vortex's mission to renew critical infrastructure with minimal disruption.
"I'm honored to have been considered for this role at such a pivotal inflection point for Vortex," said Vela. "We have a bold vision, exceptional talent, and industry-leading solutions—and I'm excited to help guide our next phase of growth and transformation."
See also: Vortex promotes Chuck Parsons and Ryan Helmuth to key leadership positions
Related News
From Archive
- Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
- Trump vetoes bill to finish $1.3 billion Colorado water pipeline
- PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- OSHA seeks $1.2 million fine after fatal trench collapse in Connecticut
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility

Comments