Gaithersburg, Maryland-based Korth Construction has brought in an industry veteran from outside to serve as president of the 36-year-old, family-owned firm.

Matthew Merz, who spent 17 years as principal at Rand Construction, was named president of Korth. The company’s former president, Gene Korth, will continue to lead the construction firm as CEO. Terry Korth will continue to serve as principal and vice president as the firm remains family-owned.

For the last two years, Merz was a principal of real estate consulting company M2iMPACT LLC. He was principal of Rand Construction from 1999 to 2016.

“Matt’s experience with Rand and recent work advising numerous leaders in the industry allows him to step right into our company and immediately contribute to our strategies for growth, succession and success,” Gene Korth said in a release.