Dubai-based furniture supplier Chelsea Green appoints Jennie Stallings to a senior position
Chelsea Green, the Dubai-based furniture consultant and supplier, has appointed Jennie Stallings as partner and commercial manager. Stallings has over 25 years’ experience as an ergonomic specialist, wellness consultant, residential and commercial interior designer, across the United States, the Middle East, and Africa.
Stallings has focussed on creating spaces where people can thrive throughout her career, inspiring her to establish her own wellness consultancy, BeWELL in 2019. She is a certified WELL Accredited Professional who sits on the Movement WELL Advisory Board with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
Now in its fifth year of business, Stallings’ appointment comes as Chelsea Green enters a new phase of growth. It has also undergone a recent brand refresh to reflect its evolution and demonstrate its commitment to workplace wellbeing.
Stallings commented: “I have collaborated with Chelsea Green for many years, so I am very pleased to be joining the team at such an exciting time. There is an understandable shift in attitudes in and around the workplace; our mission is to partner with organisations to shape the physical aspects of a space, now that they are more important than ever. Manufacturers have been designing people-first products for years, but the current climate has put them in the spotlight, inspiring innovation in terms of style, safety and comfort.”
Chelsea Green, founder and general manager Alan McDonald added: “We are delighted to welcome Jennie who will play a crucial role in the future of Chelsea Green, as we respond to clients’ needs. Chelsea Green started as a product provider with a few key brands. Since then, we have grown into an open-source service partner working with multiple global names. Our ethos has always been about more than providing products. We collaborate fully to offer expert consultancy before purchase, and extend our support with an unlimited complimentary after-care model once the furniture is installed.”
Chelsea Green caters to clients across the commercial office, education, hospitality, and healthcare sectors, with furniture brands including HNI, Fritz Hansen, Humanscale, The Senator Group, Connection, KI, ChairClub, and Norman Copenhagen.
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Atkins appoints Matthew Tribe as managing director for its planning, design, and engineering business in the Middle East
Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Tribe as managing director for its planning, design, and engineering business in the Middle East, effective November 2021. Matthew also leads the company’s global technical network in master planning, urbanisation & cities, driving a virtual network of professionals to deliver value to its clients around the world.
“With over 50 years’ presence in the Middle East, Atkins has a proven record in delivering some of the region’s most iconic and complex projects. Strengthening our planning, design, and engineering business is key to meet the region’s growing needs and help countries achieve their national visions and net zero targets,” said Campbell Gray, CEO, Atkins, Middle East & Africa. “With his deep knowledge of the business and the region, Matthew will play a pivotal role in enabling, delivering and most importantly adding demonstrable value to our clients’ programs and portfolios.”
Matthew is a seasoned executive with 26 years of experience across the UK, Asia, Middle East, and Africa regions. Throughout his career, he has established an approach to master planning and urban design that delivers solutions derived from detailed analysis, understanding and appreciation of the evolving demands of modern life. Previously, Matthew was the Managing Principal for the Dubai Studio and Global Lead for Planning, Landscape and Urban Design at global architecture firm CallisonRTKL, where he played an instrumental role in the company’s growth. Before joining CallisonRTKL in 2014, he spent 18 years at Atkins departing as the International Master Planning & Urban Design Director, splitting his time between the UAE and the UK. His portfolio of projects includes the New Jeddah Downtown and KAAR Gateway Development in Saudi Arabia, The Grove Mixed-Use Development and Dubai Creek Harbour Master Plan in the UAE, and many other flagship projects in the Middle East.
“I’m excited to re-join Atkins and be part of shaping its strategic growth plans both globally and in the Middle East,” commented Matthew Tribe, managing director, planning, design, and engineering at Atkins. “The industry is going through a significant transformation where embedding human-centric design practices and adopting sustainable and data-driven solutions will be key to tackle current and future challenges and harness opportunities for growth on the long-term.”
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Light Link appoints a new commercial director
Dubai-based lighting design and supply firm Light Link has appointed Jonathan Brown as its new commercial director. Jonathan has a long-standing career in the industry, having worked for several leading contractors and lighting design and supply companies across the region. He is a qualified quantity surveyor and also has broader commercial asset management experience.
The appointment strengthens Light Link’s senior management team as it enters the third year of business and expands its influence into other countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The company has completed 60 projects totalling 300,000 sq. ft, with the latest wins including Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Authority, Emirates REIT, AKA Restaurant, Microsoft, Accenture, RJ O’Brien, and IFF.
Light Link, founder Jaspal Bal commented: “Jonathan has believed in Light Link’s vision from the start, so we’re thrilled that he’s finally able to join us. His unique mix of commercial and construction experience is a real asset in a market where clients are looking for a more comprehensive level of support.”
Light Link, commercial director, Jonathan Brown added: “I’m delighted to join Light Link and help the business in its next stages of growth and development. The team has built a truly impressive portfolio of projects within two years and we’re all eager to maximise the many opportunities available in a cross-section of industries.”
As a result of growth, Light Link has recently moved into a dedicated two-storey premises in Al Quoz. The Light Garden – featuring a workshop and storage space on the ground floor – brings the design, project management, and logistics teams together in one location.
Founded in 2019, Light Link collaborates with end-users, design teams, contractors, MEP consultants, and project managers to create the perfect balance between art and engineering. Services include lighting design and supply, systems design and supply, WELL testing and commissioning, and full site support.
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ISG appoints Stephen Martin as construction director
ISG announced the appointment of Stephen Martin as construction director for the UAE. Martin, an ISG veteran with a decade of experience with the global construction group, returns to the UAE, where he worked from 2013 to 2020, before joining ISG’s business in Scotland, as operations director for the previous 18 months.
In this role, Martin will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of several mission-critical projects that ISG is currently appointed on, as well as supporting the delivery of the company’s growth strategy.
Steve Ramsden, managing director, Southeast Asia & Middle East, ISG said: ‘Stephen brings 30 years of diverse construction experience, including 10 with ISG and and an in-depth understanding of the UAE market. His clear vision, leadership and reputation for diligent delivery are huge assets to the team. We are delighted to have him re-join us, as we set out to create outstanding environments and contribute to shaping unique experiences, in Dubai and the UAE this year and beyond.’
Martin commented: ‘We have a brilliant team in the UAE; many of whom have been with the business for a long time. I am delighted to be back at such an exciting stage of growth for ISG in the region. I look forward to contributing to the successful handover of several statement projects with our clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners.”
Throughout 2020, ISG delivered several high-profile projects across corporate, education and technology sectors including Nomura Bank, University of Wollongong Dubai, Natixis Bank and Roxy Cinemas, and several fit-out packages at ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai.
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Majid Al Futtaim appoints AECOM to deliver consultancy services for Mall of Saudi project
Majid Al Futtaim has awarded a four-year contract to global infrastructure consulting firm AECOM to provide lead consultancy services for its flagship Mall of Saudi development.
With the project set to break ground in Q4 this year, the announcement marks an important step in further delivering Majid Al Futtaim’s master-planned landmark mixed-use development, Riyadh North. The development is situated in the fastest growing zone in the city and provides an unparalleled gateway to brands and partners who are seeking to access a dynamic young population with a high appreciation of best in class retail, leisure and F&B.
AECOM’s contract will see the firm deliver lead design consultancy for pre-contract and post contract construction supervision for Mall of Saudi which is expected to house over 600 stores across 300,000sqm gross leasable area. Mall of Saudi is envisaged as an integrated lifestyle destination that will host the largest ski slope and snow park in the Middle East, luxury hotels and branded residences covering approximately 2,000 keys and spanning 214,000 square meters of built-up area.
The mall will feature a flagship Carrefour hypermarket and 31 VOX Cinema screens, including the world’s largest IMAX, and a Magic Planet. To date, leasing progress for the flagship retail space stands at approximately 50% of the gross leasable area for both issued and signed proposals, excluding Ski Saudi.
Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, said: “The contract appointment with AECOM marks a major milestone for the Riyadh North development and is a meaningful step in the progression of Majid Al Futtaim’s anchor development, Mall of Saudi. As a long-term private sector partner, Majid Al Futtaim is fully committed to investing in the Kingdom and ensuring that its retail, leisure and real estate projects play a meaningful role in contributing to Vision 2030. We look forward to breaking ground on this exciting project in Q4 this year, bringing us closer to ensuring Riyadh takes its position on the global map as a top 10 city destination and to unlocking future foreign direct investment by acting as a landmark global development.”
Hamed Zaghw, Chief Executive, AECOM Middle East & Africa, commented: “We are delighted that Majid Al Futtaim has chosen AECOM to deliver its flagship retail destination in Saudi Arabia. The award is testament to our strong relationship with Majid Al Futtaim and their trust in our integrated offer, global reach, and local knowledge. The win reaffirms our commitment to supporting Vision 2030 through the delivery of large-scale, transformational projects that create long-lasting impact in the communities they serve.”
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Buro Happold appoints James Bruce as new CEO
James Bruce has been announced as Buro Happold new Chief Executive Officer, with a strong message that the business will strengthen its global presence and, in doing so, create a better, more sustainable world.
Buro Happold is one of the world’s leading engineering consultancies and has helped create many of the most recognised and innovative places across the globe including, London’s Olympic Park and Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the World Towers in Mumbai, New York’s High Line and Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore, home to the tallest indoor waterfall on the planet.
Bruce has announced plans to grow the business, which is active in 26 locations worldwide, doubling from 2,000 to 4,000 employees in six years, creating a better balance and resilience across regions, making Buro Happold a truly global organisation.
“It is a really exciting time for Buro Happold. By expanding our international markets where we believe there is the best potential for us to grow, it will create a significant opportunity for our fantastic people and our clients”, said Bruce.
Prior to joining Buro Happold as COO/CFO in 2018, Bruce’s background is in building businesses outside of building engineering and consultancy. He has previously been CFO for a number of Omnicom and WPP subsidiaries, including Interbrand and Landor, and believes his track record in delivering growth in design focussed businesses will add a fresh dynamic to Buro Happold’s expansion plans.
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Buro Happold appoints James Bruce as new CEO
James Bruce has been announced as Buro Happold new Chief Executive Officer, with a strong message that the business will strengthen its global presence and, in doing so, create a better, more sustainable world.
Buro Happold is one of the world’s leading engineering consultancies and has helped create many of the most recognised and innovative places across the globe including, London’s Olympic Park and Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the World Towers in Mumbai, New York’s High Line and Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore, home to the tallest indoor waterfall on the planet.
Bruce has announced plans to grow the business, which is active in 26 locations worldwide, doubling from 2,000 to 4,000 employees in six years, creating a better balance and resilience across regions, making Buro Happold a truly global organisation.
“It is a really exciting time for Buro Happold. By expanding our international markets where we believe there is the best potential for us to grow, it will create a significant opportunity for our fantastic people and our clients”, said Bruce.
Prior to joining Buro Happold as COO/CFO in 2018, Bruce’s background is in building businesses outside of building engineering and consultancy. He has previously been CFO for a number of Omnicom and WPP subsidiaries, including Interbrand and Landor, and believes his track record in delivering growth in design focussed businesses will add a fresh dynamic to Buro Happold’s expansion plans.
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OFIS appoints Adrian Shaw as the new CEO
OFIS, a leading office furniture and solutions supplier, welcomes Adrian Shaw as the new Chief Executive Officer. As part of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, OFIS has been operational in the UAE for 34-years and Adrian plans to drive the brand forward starting with opening a new showroom which will be located on Al Ittihad Road.
Shaw has been with the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group for nine years, and currently manages the award-winning home-grown furniture store Chattels & More and quirky German interiors brand, KARE. He brings over 20 years of international experience in developing new and existing businesses, driving sales and profitability.
In the early years, Shaw oversaw IDdesign operations throughout the UAE, including eight stores and over 200 staff, moving on to become the General Manager of Chattels & More and KARE. He is now embarking on a new journey with OFIS, adding this well regarded brand to his purview.
“OFIS is a respected amongst the designer community, As part of my new responsibilities I plan to continue to grow the brand, expand our network and create inspirational spaces alongside our designers and loyal customers,” says Adrian Shaw.
He continues, “The OFIS brand lineage is interwoven with the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group story and I intend to continue to build on this while staying true to its heritage from the last 34-years in the UAE. The new showroom will mark an exciting new chapter for OFIS and the team.”
Shaw plans to continue to transform customers’ vision into reality using innovation and believes that at OFIS, there is an opportunity to build spaces that inspire, engage, offer solutions, and motivate anyone who enters.
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