UK-based Turner & Townsend, a global programme management and construction consultancy, has appointed Alan Talabani as the new regional managing director for the Middle East following the retirement of Mike Collings.

Talabani set up Turner & Townsend’s Abu Dhabi office in 2008, and has been instrumental in driving the business’ significant growth in the region – most recently in his role as UAE country manager, overseeing both the Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices.  

Under his leadership Turner & Townsend has advised on major infrastructure schemes in the UAE, in particular key aviation programmes, said the company in a statement.  

He has also worked on some of the most significant real estate projects in the region, it added.  

Despite the slow recovery of oil and gas prices and its impact on the overall performance of the regional construction market, Middle East revenue at Turner & Townsend has grown steadily by an average of 30 per cent since 2012.

Commenting on Turner & Townsend’s expansion in the region, Talabani said: "Over the last decade our business in the Middle East has grown from fewer than 30 members of staff to over 350 and I’m immensely proud of our achievements. Our success is rooted in having dedicated individuals working as a team to deliver quality services to our clients across the region."

In addition, Robert Edwards has been newly appointed UAE country manager.

Edwards has more than 35 years’ experience in the industry and is moving to the Middle East team from Turner & Townsend’s Latin America business, where he had spent the last four years as managing director. Both Edwards and Talabani have been with Turner & Townsend for 20 years.

Commenting on his new role, Edwards said: "I’m delighted to be joining our UAE team and to be working in the Middle East to continue Turner & Townsend’s growth across our three operating sectors of infrastructure, natural resources and real estate."

"Our one business, one identity model plays a key role in ensuring that we deliver quality and consistent services across the globe, thus making our teams, including myself, well positioned to drive best outcomes for our clients, our people and our business," he added.-TradeArabia News Service