Atkins has announced Rick Hancock as its new country director for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Atkins says the move reaffirms its commitment to the Saudi market. According to Atkins, Hancock has significant experience in international property, development and project management in Australia, Europe, South East Asia and the Middle East.
Within Saudi, Atkins says it is continuing work on the delivery of the Riyadh Metro while working on the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). With the latter, the consultancy is re-masterplanning the area as a ‘world-class, vibrant and integrated mixed-use destination’. The firm is also involved in several other projects that will ‘unlock the value of its cities’ masterplanning and improve the lifestyle of residents’.
Commenting on his appointment, Hancock notes, “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. 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.”
Speaking about its strategy in the Kingdom, Atkins plans to learn from and share knowledge with Saudi citizens and develop a partnership based on mutual trust and respect, as well as on an ambition to deliver projects to the very high standards. The firm has already engaged in several capacity building exercises in the country aimed at developing and enhancing local talent, including a chapter of its MEA region wide, networking and inclusion group for its female employees.
Phil Malem, Atkins’ MD, Design and Engineering, added: “We are very excited by Rick’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.”