United States
Leadership Bio
David S. Layton
President & CEO Layton Construction
David S. Layton was raised in the construction industry, mentored by his father, who started Layton Construction Company in 1953. Since being named CEO in 2004, David has led the company through sustained, disciplined growth, expanding annual revenue from $475 million in 2004 to $7.6 billion in 2025. Under his leadership, the firm transformed from a regional contractor into a nationally ranked builder, expanding its work into 43 states, growing to 1,800+ employees, and becoming one of the top healthcare contractors in the United States. The company also maintains one of the industry’s top safety programs, earning the Associated General Contractors of America’s highest national safety award.
David received a civil engineering degree from Brigham Young University and earned a Harvard University Business School Executive Management Certificate after completing an extensive three-year program with top executives from around the world.
In 2025, he was named a regional winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and advanced as one of five national finalists, underscoring his leadership and innovation.
David has also led significant philanthropic efforts. As an early partner of 5 for the Fight, the Julie M. and David S. Layton Foundation, alongside Layton employees, has contributed over $1 million to cancer research since 2018. Through their foundation, they have invested more than $10 million in education, culture, humanitarian causes, and athletics.
David has served on several community boards, including the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, the University Healthcare Foundation, and the University Healthcare Board of Trustees. An avid sports fan, Layton is also a member of the Salt Lake City Committee for the Olympic Games and the Utah Sports Commission board of trustees, where, over the past 25 years, he has helped lead efforts to attract a broad range of sporting events to the State.