SH 130 Concession Co., the private entity that operates and maintains the 41-mile southern section of the SH 130 toll road between Austin and San Antonio, has named veteran transportation executive Ananth Prasad, PE, as its new CEO.
With more than 30 years of experience in public and private-sector transportation leadership positions, Prasad joins the company from the Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA), where he has served as President since 2018.
“SH 130 is an increasingly important piece of the regional transportation network in the heart of the booming Austin-San Antonio corridor, and I’m excited to join the company at a pivotal time,” says Prasad. “I look forward to working with the SH 130 team – as well as our partners at the Texas Department of Transportation, local communities and other regional stakeholders – as we seek new ways to support regional mobility and economic development.”
Traffic along the southern section of SH 130 has steadily increased in recent years as the region’s population has continued to grow along with the freight volume of goods traveling through Central Texas. Commercial and residential development directly along the roadway has also accelerated.
Under Prasad’s leadership, SH 130 Concession Co. will continue to pursue opportunities to collaborate with the public and private sectors to improve the transportation and utility infrastructure in the corridor with the goal of enhancing connectivity and encouraging economic development.
Before joining FTBA, Prasad served 22 years with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), where he last held the governor-appointed position of Secretary. At FDOT, Prasad managed a budget of $10 billion and had direct oversight of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise which is responsible for operating and managing over 300 miles of toll roads and bridges in the state. He also spent five years at national infrastructure firm HNTB, including as its National Transportation Practice Leader.
“Ananth has a great reputation as a first-class leader in the transportation industry and brings considerable public, private and commercial experience to his new leadership role,” says Tyler Duvall, who serves as co-chair of the company’s board of directors. “We’re thrilled to have him joining the management team and leading the company forward.”
Prasad replaces Adam Hesketh, who is relocating internationally with his family after almost three years with the company. Hesketh led the business through a successful period of growth which included capital structure improvements, a focus on safety and internal governance, as well as revenue growth of over 40%. He oversaw enhanced partnerships with TxDOT and regional stakeholders, and numerous initiatives with local economic development groups.
“Of course we were sad when Adam and his family decided to relocate, but he leaves the business on a great trajectory,” says board co-chair Jennifer Aument. “His leadership has built a solid foundation of operational excellence and expanded partnership opportunities with local communities to meet the transportation needs of one of the nation’s fastest growing corridors.”
