Gensler Expands Middle Eastern Presence with New Leadership

Gensler, a global leader in architecture and design, proudly announces the appointment of Tariq Shaikh as the Co-Managing Director for its Middle East offices. This new role is effective immediately, and Tariq will work alongside the current Managing Director, Tim Martin. This move underscores Gensler's commitment to growth and excellence in the dynamic Middle Eastern region.

David Calkins, Co-Regional Managing Principal for Gensler’s Asia Pacific Middle East (APME) region, stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Tariq into his new role. His visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and extensive experience in large-scale Middle Eastern projects will be incredibly valuable to our team. His deep understanding of the region’s complexities and opportunities will drive our efforts to expand Gensler’s presence and influence. We look forward to his contributions in steering our growth and continuing to deliver exceptional design solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients."

Tariq Shaikh's Extensive Experience and Proven Leadership

Tariq Shaikh brings over 30 years of experience in managing and delivering complex, large-scale projects across mixed-use, retail, and lifestyle markets in both Europe and the Middle East. He previously served as the Managing Director of Gensler’s Birmingham office for seven years. During this time, he demonstrated a proven ability to build and manage large teams, ensuring smooth project execution while meeting the critical requirements of developers and tenants. His extensive portfolio includes collaborations with major global brands and significant contributions to some of Gensler’s largest Middle Eastern projects, such as The Avenues in Kuwait and Msheireb Downtown Doha in Qatar.

Tariq Shaikh expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I am excited to step into this role and continue driving the region’s growth and expansion. The Middle East is a region of immense potential and opportunity, and I am eager to build on the strong foundation we have established. I look forward to collaborating with the team in the Middle East to deliver innovative design solutions and strengthen client partnerships, contributing to the region’s transformation and our firm’s sustained success."

Strategic Focus on Riyadh and Vision 2030

Tariq will be based in Riyadh, where Gensler recently opened its newest office in the Middle East. His appointment is a pivotal part of Gensler’s strategic initiatives, particularly in enhancing the capabilities of the Riyadh office in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program. This appointment follows another significant leadership expansion with the recent appointment of Theresa Sheils as Co-Regional Managing Principal for Gensler APME.

“Gensler’s co-leadership model promotes a dynamic and collaborative work environment by encouraging interdisciplinary insight sharing,” said Theresa Sheils. “Tariq’s extensive market knowledge and proven track record will drive innovation and enhance our ability to adapt to evolving client and market needs. Together with Tim, I am confident they will elevate our operations in the Kingdom and solidify Gensler’s leadership in innovative design throughout the region.”

Gensler’s Continued Dedication to Client Relationships and Market Presence

As Gensler Middle East continues to expand its expertise, the firm remains dedicated to strengthening client relationships and enhancing its presence in the market. The new leadership underscores Gensler’s commitment to delivering award-winning projects that address the diverse needs of Middle Eastern clients and create transformative spaces across the region. Recently ranked #6 overall and #1 in Urban Development and Real Estate on Fast Company’s most innovative list, Gensler is celebrated for its role in shaping industry and culture through groundbreaking innovations and significant achievements.