Boston-based Suffolk Construction will open a new office in San Francisco, allowing the organization to strengthen its foothold and expand opportunities for future growth in the West, and has hired Andrew Ball as its new president of the territory.

"We are absolutely thrilled that Andy has joined our organization to lead our operations in the West region," John Fish, chairman and CEO of Suffolk Construction, said in a statement. "Andy clearly has the experience, unique skill set, and local relationships that will strengthen Suffolk’s existing presence in that area of the country. We are confident that Andy’s impeccable leadership will help us expand our reach from the Irvine and San Diego areas and successfully deliver our ‘build smart’ promise to clients in the San Francisco and Northern California markets, and beyond."

"I always said that if I was to return to the construction industry, the company would have to be the right cultural fit, and the perfect situation. I have found that company and situation," Ball said in a statement. "I have always been extremely passionate about building buildings, particularly in the San Francisco area. Suffolk shares that passion and offers the most visionary leadership team, dedicated employees, and effective systems and procedures in the industry. Leading an entire Suffolk operation in the city that I love is a dream come true, and I’m very excited to get started."

Ball is the former CEO of San Mateo-based Webcor Builders. Under his leadership, Webcor grew to become one of the Bay Area’s largest contractors, with more than $1.4 billion of revenue during the peak of construction in 2007. Webcor was also recognized as one of the greenest contractors in the country. Ball sold the company in 2007 to Japan’s Obayashi Corporation.