KBR, a leading provider of technology and engineering solutions, has appointed highly experienced industry professional James Duncan as its new Vice President, Infrastructure, Global South, to grow its major project delivery business across sectors including rail, aviation and urban development.
James brings more than 30 years’ experience in infrastructure, project and development management, having held senior client and consultancy roles across the Middle East and internationally. He joins KBR from Hill International, where he was First Vice President.
He was previously Chief Project Officer at Al Farwaniya Property Developments, leading the delivery of Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi, and Chief Development Officer at Emaar. In addition, he was Group Head of Projects at Eurotunnel overseeing multiple programmes of work.
The appointment comes as the GCC continues to deliver projects at scale. MEED Projects reported in April that $943 billion of work was under execution across the region, with a further $321 billion at the bidding stage.
Based in Dubai, Duncan will initially focus on growing KBR’s infrastructure and the built environment business across the Middle East and North Africa. The company is targeting a larger role in major transport and urban development programmes as governments invest in infrastructure to support economic growth and diversification.
On his new role, Duncan said: "The scale of infrastructure development in this region is enormous. Governments and developers are planning major rail links, aviation projects and new urban communities, and they need experienced delivery partners who can turn that ambition into effective infrastructure."
"KBR is well placed to do that and has a strong infrastructure legacy in the region, from Yas Island to the Doha Expressway. We already have excellent programme and project delivery capability in mega projects and can work alongside clients from early planning through procurement and construction," he added.
In his new role, Duncan will also strengthen KBR’s programme management and project management office capability. On large complex infrastructure programmes, the company can work as part of the client’s oversight team, providing visibility across projects.
"Major programmes are rarely just one project or one contract. The client needs someone at their right hand who can oversee the whole programme and keep delivery moving," stated Duncan.
"The modern market needs partners who can be flexible commercially and deliver innovation at speed. KBR can do all that," he noted.
"My immediate priority is to build the regional team and apply KBR’s capability more widely across rail, aviation and major urban development. We will start in the Middle East and North Africa before expanding further across the Global South," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
