KEO International Consultants has appointed Chris Fannin as the new managing director of InSite, its allied practice for master planning, urban design and landscape architecture.

A leading design, engineering and project management firm, KEO said throughout his career, Fannin has led a wide-ranging number of urban design, master planning and landscape architecture projects across the globe.

He takes on a key influential role by also joining the group's executive leadership board, actively participating in setting direction and developing strategic plans for the business.

He was previously senior vice-president and global director of planning at HOK, and member of its board of directors and the management board.

Fannin is an urban designer, master planning and landscape architecture veteran and an acclaimed practitioner with a career that spans over 25 years. He takes on a key influential role by also joining KEO’s executive leadership board, actively participating in setting direction and developing strategic plans for the business.

He has been a practicing professional and an educator with teaching positions at leading universities in the field of planning and  landscape architecture as well as being an active contributor to worldwide industry events.   

In his role as managing director of InSite, Fannin will be responsible for running the entire practice and looking at the business strategy for InSite to ensure both business growth and excellence in planning and design of sustainable environments.

He will be implementing international best practice and applying his client-centric approach, while overseeing project delivery to the highest standards.  

Welcoming Fannin into the fold, Donna Sultan, the president and CEO, said: "Our exceptional InSite practice has been diligently providing specialised services in urban design, planning and landscape architecture for clients across all of our markets."

"Since its launch, it has been committed to plan and create sustainable, high-functioning and deeply desirable built and natural environments. Through his leadership and reputation for design excellence, Fannin will strengthen our position in the market and provide opportunities to enrich InSite’s portfolio of projects," she stated.

"This step aligns with our ambitious vision of growth and represents an integral part of our forward-looking strategy to be responsive to our clients’ needs and provide excellent multi-disciplinary services," she added.  

On his appointment, Fannin said: "I am so pleased to have the opportunity to join KEO, a firm that I have admired and have had the professional opportunity to collaborate with on a number of important projects throughout the Middle East."

"The firm's commitment to its markets, being over 50 years in operation, has deeply informed its development into a recognized practice of depth, knowledge and interdisciplinary skill," he stated.

"From this legacy has emerged InSite, which has already achieved success in the region. I look forward to leveraging the talent within InSite and the KEO family of disciplines to moulding an even more successful, grounded and dynamic design practice that brings the optimal sustainable solutions to our clients, communities and the environment," he added.-TradeArabia News Service