Atkins, one of the world’s leading design, engineering and project management consultancies and a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, said it has appointed Rick Hancock as the new country director (design & engineering business) for Saudi Arabia.

Hancock has had a long and distinguished career in international property, development and project management in Australia, Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East with its base in the UAE with Cumming Corporation, the project management and cost consulting firm, and previously with Faithful+Gould following its acquisition of Confluence in 2013.

Phil Malem, the managing director (design and engineering) said: "We are very excited by Hancock’s appointment. His extensive technical knowledge and understanding of Saudi Arabia’s commercial, economic and social landscape form a powerful combination that stands him in good stead to build on our long track record in the country."

"Having him based there permanently also sends a strong message both to our partners and to our customers of our commitment to their success," he added.

Hancock's appointment comes at a time when Atkins’ operations in Saudi Arabia have never been busier, said the company in its statement.

In addition to its original involvement in the delivery of the Riyadh Metro, which will soon transform the city’s transport dynamics, Atkins is currently working on King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), re-masterplanning the area as a world-class, vibrant and integrated mixed-use destination and a broad range of other projects across Saudi Arabia.

On his new role, Hancock said: "I am delighted to be heading up Atkins’ design and engineering operations in Saudi Arabia. The company has a long and proud history of working on some of the country’s most iconic projects, and this gives us the credibility and knowledge to play a significant role in building its exciting future."

"A large part of that revolves around its own people, whose development and nurturing form one of our key priorities and core values. We already have an established nucleus of Saudi talent in our team – diligent, astute and highly capable people, of whom ten per cent are women," he stated.

"We look forward to welcoming and training many more, and to offering them rewarding and fulfilling careers in a sustainable business through which they can contribute to their country's future success, the growth and diversification of its economy and to the delivery of its Economic Vision 2030," he added.-TradeArabia News Service