Director – Project Controls - Infrastructure

Turner & Townsend promotes Leila Taghavi to Head of Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. 09 September 2026 Consultancy-me.com Global project management consultancy Turner & Townsend has appointed Leila Taghavi as its new Head of Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Leading the Infrastructure business, Taghavi will oversee the firm's offerings in sectors such as rail, roads, ports, water, aviation and defence - industries that play a large part in the nation's Vision 2030 strategy for significant infrastructure. "Saudi Arabia is undertaking one of the most ambitious infrastructure transformations in the world, driving the creation of nationally significant schemes that will have a lasting impact on connectivity, economic growth and future generations," said Taghavi. Taghavi takes on her new role with more than 20 years of experience delivering large-scale infrastructure programmes across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Her career spans both consultancy and client-side roles, most recently serving Transport for New South Wales in Australia, where she was a director focused on the delivery of transport projects. Earlier, she worked for Aquenta Consulting and Italian group Salini Impregilo on a major metro project in Sydney. Throughout her career, she gained extensive experience in the delivery, governance, and assurance of large-scale programmes. She also has expertise in project controls, performance, and risk management. Since relocating to the Middle East early 2024, Taghavi has played a key role in delivering some of Turner & Townsend's most significant transport, aviation, urban development and destination programmes in Saudi Arabia, supporting investments in infrastructure transformation that are enhancing connectivity, driving economic growth and advancing the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030. "The reputation of Turner & Townsend for delivering major programmes and excellent client outcomes provides a strong platform for continued expansion. I look forward to working with our clients to help bring to life transformational infrastructure projects across the Kingdom," she said. Graeme Baxter, Head of Infrastructure for the Middle East, stated: "Infrastructure represents a significant growth opportunity for Turner & Townsend across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Leila's decades of experience leading complex capital programmes, proven track record across services our clients value most, and extensive expertise will position her well as we embark on this next phase of growth."

Nima Nicolas Aase appointed as new T&T regional managing director. September 3, 2026 Aase will be the new Turner & Townsend (T&T) director for Europe, after having served as managing director for the Nordics. Nima Nicolas Aase has been with the company for more than a decade, and was instrumental in growing Turner & Townsend's operations in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. Aase's appointment follows Patricia Moore's appointment as managing director for EMEA earlier this year. Strengthening European operations. As part of T&T's ambition to become the world's leading programme manager, Aase will now work with teams across the continent to improve client relationships and fuel growth. Patricia Moore, managing director for EMEA at Turner & Townsend, said: "Nima has been instrumental in driving its growth across the Nordics, consistently demonstrating the kind of strategic vision and delivery expertise that sets exceptional leaders apart. His experience building and scaling its business across that region gives him a strong combination of regional depth and pan-European perspective that its clients need as their own ambitions evolve. "Nima's leadership, commitment to our business and people, and understanding of what our clients want to achieve will be central to how we accelerate our European growth agenda." Nima Nicolas Aase, regional managing director, Europe, at Turner & Townsend, said: "Europe presents some of the most exciting opportunities in our industry, and we have the talent, relationships and platform to capture them. My focus will be on bringing our teams closer together, deepening our partnerships with clients and continuing to grow our reputation as a trusted partner across Europe." Tackling large projects. In March, Turner & Townsend was appointed as one of the Portfolio Management Office consultants on the long-awaited Heathrow airport infrastructure expansion. The framework was initially set for five years with an option to extend for another five years, supporting Heathrow's infrastructure expansion as well as the third runway, backed by the government after long discussions over whether it would be developed by Heathrow Airport Limited or the Arora Group's Heathrow West Limited. In partnership with AtkinsRéalis, T&T are now giving their full programme and project management services to support the £33bn expansion. James Corrigan, managing director of Infrastructure, UK at Turner & Townsend, said: "We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership of over 30 years with Heathrow and to bring together the combined strengths of Turner & Townsend and AtkinsRéalis. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure that supports Heathrow's growth and benefits the wider UK economy."

Ministry of Finance equips national talent with latest global practices in asset management. The Ministry of Finance has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with the Asset Management Academy (AMA) and Turner & Townsend International Ltd. to deliver the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) training programmes. This will support the adoption of global best practices and international standards in asset management and further advance the government financial management ecosystem. The partnership aims to develop the professional capabilities of national talent across federal entities by equipping participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills that enhance their asset management capabilities. It will also support decision-making related to the planning and management of asset lifecycles, thereby contributing to greater institutional performance efficiency and maximising the value of government assets. The partnership is also aligned with the UAE's strategic direction to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in government operations by developing skilled professionals capable of harnessing advanced technologies to enhance asset management efficiency and leveraging data to support planning and decision-making processes. The agreement was signed at the Ministry's offices in Dubai in the presence of Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; Mariam Mohammed Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Government Financial Management Sector at the Ministry; and a number of officials and specialists from both sides. AlKhoori signed the agreement on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, while Graeme Baxter, Country Manager in the UAE, signed on behalf of the Asset Management Academy and Turner & Townsend International Ltd. Mariam Al Amiri affirmed that the partnership forms part of the Ministry of Finance's ongoing efforts to advance the government financial management ecosystem and enhance the readiness of government entities to adopt global best practices and standards in asset management. She noted that investing in the development of specialised national capabilities is a key pillar in achieving the UAE's objectives of building a more efficient, agile, and sustainable government model capable of harnessing knowledge, advanced technologies, and innovation to support strategic planning and decision-making. She added that the partnership will strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance, thereby supporting the UAE's competitiveness and reinforcing its position in adopting global best practices in asset management. She affirmed that the partnership reflects the Ministry of Finance's commitment to empowering national professionals and equipping them with specialised knowledge and skills in asset management, thereby enhancing their ability to apply modern methodologies and manage asset lifecycles efficiently and effectively. Graeme Baxter said, "The strategic partnership with the Ministry of Finance reflects a shared commitment to strengthening national asset management capabilities through the delivery of IAM programmes and certifications, while facilitating the transfer of international expertise and best practices." The IAM training programmes and certifications offer specialised training covering the principles of asset management, asset lifecycle management, risk management, performance improvement and artificial intelligence, strategic planning, and the maximisation of the sustainable value of assets. The programme is delivered in accordance with global best practices and standards, including the ISO 55000 series. It is designed to equip participants with the ability to apply modern asset management methodologies and enhance the efficiency of planning and decision-making. The programme will be delivered through a flexible training model offering in-person, remote, or hybrid participation, in line with the needs of federal entities.