Durham, England, United Kingdom
I am a visionary Executive who transforms strategic insights into actionable plans that unlock potential throughout the commercial real estate and infrastructure value chain. I am experienced in both private ventures and public-private alliances throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and America, and my key strengths include: • Building and nurturing networks of trusted experts capable of addressing challenges and seizing opportunities at the earliest stages of project development where the most value is found; • Overseeing the entire commercial lifecycle, from site evaluation to project delivery, while mitigating risks and managing costs through robust value and risk management frameworks; • Bridging the gap between developers and service providers by offering tailored technical advisory services, enhancing project efficiency and effectiveness; • Building sustainable, resilient relationships that prioritise client needs and drive long-term value, value, profit, and growth in an evolving market landscape; After graduating with a BSc in Quantity Surveying from Robert Gordon's University, I began my career at Davis Langdon (now an AECOM company) in 1995. By 2002, I advanced to Partner managing key client accounts, including Forth Ports plc. and by 2004, I had earned Equity Partner status, guiding high-profile projects such as the Forth Quarter Masterplan and Scottish Gas HQ, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the National Gallery of Scotland Playfair Project. In 2008, I was appointed Head of Abu Dhabi, where I grew the office from a two-person team to 140 employees increasing annual revenue three-fold in two years. In 2010, I became Global Head of Thought Leadership, leading initiatives in Knowledge, Research, and Innovation. In 2012, I founded Atorus Consult to help clients build strategies that optimize operational and project management efficiencies. My work emphasizes leadership and personal performance development, aligning individual growth with broader business success. I also focus on identifying strategic market opportunities. In addition to my consulting work, I serve as a UK Government ‘Help to Grow’ business mentor and on the RGC Strategic Advisory Board, supporting online education in Computer Science and Technology. Since 2017, I have been a Governor at Barnard Castle School, Chairing the Strategy, Development, and Marketing Committee. Additionally, I developed GluIQ™, a machine learning-enabled project success platform for real estate, integrating risk management and project management best practices.
• Founded Atorus to leverage extensive experience as a former Partner and Director in a leading construction consultancy and provide more tailored solutions in business and project performance improvement. • Delivered performance enhancement strategies for clients, focusing on amplifying strengths and maximising competitive market leverage to achieve winning advantages. • Developed bespoke business improvement plans for organizations seeking to optimize operational and project management efficiencies, resulting in measurable performance gains. • Collaborated with clients on leadership and personal performance development, driving individual effectiveness to support broader business objectives. • Specialised in identifying and capitalising on market opportunities, guiding clients to achieve strategic growth through targeted competitive analysis and action plans. • Implemented high-impact performance initiatives, helping businesses unlock potential and achieve sustained operational excellence.
Global Head of Thought Leadership • Served as Davis Langdon chair on the AECOM Global Technology and Innovation Council aimed at driving innovation and technological advancements within the organization. • Formulated, developed, and led the Thought Leadership agenda across a global business, driving strategic insights and positioning the organization as an industry innovator on a global scale. • Led Innovation and Cultural Change workstreams with direct oversight, fostering cross-functional collaboration with Business Support Services such as HR, Business Development, IT, and Finance. • Provided ongoing leadership and contributions to key global client management programs, conferences, publications, and strategic initiatives, significantly strengthening client relationships. • Led and managed a virtual global team spread across San Francisco, London, Manchester, Dubai, Johannesburg, and Melbourne, ensuring high-performance and seamless collaboration across diverse regions.
2008-2010: Director, Head of Abu Dhabi, UAE • Established, grew and developed the office in Abu Dhabi from an initial 2-person unit to a headcount of 140 through one of the most challenging economic trading environments in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis. • Decisive in business development and strategic client relationship building with clients as influential as Mubadala, Aldar, Sorouh; sector leadership – Commercial, Government (incl. PPP/PFI) and Culture/Sport. • Established and embedded strong people management and development to form the foundation of a strong, robust and resilient business unit. 2000-2007: Associate / Partner, Edinburgh/London • Leadership of key client relationship with Forth Ports plc, National Galleries of Scotland, Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, British Gas, Kilmartin Properties etc. • Lead Partner for Ocean Terminal, Forth Quarter Masterplan, Scottish Gas HQ and Royal Scottish Academy / National Gallery of Scotland Playfair Project 1995-2000: Project Surveyor, London • Project lead for significant projects including TAG McLaren Technology Centre, Woking, Stockley Park, TATE Bankside and Crescent House, Wiltshire. • Worked with leading design teams including Foster and Partners, Richard Rogers Partnership and Arup / Arup Associates and formed initial ‘Foresight Group’ with 5 others within DLE to create a considered 20-year vision and strategy for the business through to 2020 sponsored by Paul Morrell.