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Projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are defined by iconic and unique designs, requiring unconventional solutions from designers and builders. Global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon announced two appointments in its Middle East operations to spur innovation and strengthen project execution that will help clients bring their boldest dreams to life.
The company has appointed Johann Brits as the Regional Innovation Leader for the Middle East, where he will manage a cross-disciplinary team focused on harnessing design thinking to solve clients’ complex problems. In addition, Hassan Shakrouf has been appointed as Authority Approvals Leader in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the responsibility for facilitating a smooth approvals process for clients’ mega-projects.
Commenting on the appointments, Ermis Marques who won the Middle East Consultant’s Executive of the Year Award (Male) last year and Regional Director – Middle East, Aurecon said:
“Digital disruption is an inescapable reality for all businesses today, and our clients are seeking innovative thinking and solutions to differentiate themselves. At Aurecon, we pride ourselves on tackling tough challenges. Our confidence lies in ensuring we have the best people like Johann and Hassan who can deliver the most value to clients.
However, innovative solutions often require some sort of proof of concept. Therefore, Hassan will leverage Aurecon’s unlimited Architect of Record service and partner with Johann and work closely with the authorities on ensuring that projects proceed smoothly through the approvals process. Aurecon’s twin-pillar approach will assure our clients that their unique projects will become reality.”
Johann Brits
As the Regional Innovation Leader ‒ Middle East, Brits will support Aurecon’s innovation strategy, which concentrates on helping clients design their own future and develop innovative pathways, enabling them to thrive in the age of digital transformation.
“Digital is disrupting how businesses connect and service their clients. Organisations who cannot adapt will soon find their lunch eaten by those who can,” said Brits. “I’m excited to manage a cross-disciplinary team and use design-led thinking to help our clients adopt possible futures, reimagining new models of business, and co-designing viable businesses with them.”
Brits has a decade of experience providing world-class transport solutions for projects in the UAE and countries such as Australia, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Myanmar, Qatar, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. He has been based in the Middle East since 2010.
Hassan Shakrouf
Shakrouf has more than 20 years of experience in reviewing building design based on UAE codes and managing permitting services teams, as well as dealing with local authorities in the Emirates. He has worked on high-profile projects, including the Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai Infrastructure Works and the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
As the Authority Approvals Leader in the UAE, he will act as a bridge between the design ideas of the architect and owner, and the practical considerations for construction. For Aurecon to take the lead consultant role, Shakrouf will employ digital solutions to collaborate more effectively with multiple stakeholders in mega projects and offer clients better visibility over timelines and project costs by creating virtual reality experiences of designs.
“I look forward to delivering a perfect marriage between Aurecon’s innovative designs and the local code requirements in the UAE to ensure the smoothest possible progression for our clients’ projects,” Shakrouf said.
Contact details
Danielle Bond
Head of Marketing & Communications, Aurecon
T +61 3 9975 3138 F +61 3 9975 3444
M +61 412 870 987
About Aurecon
Aurecon is a global engineering and infrastructure advisory company which brings ideas to life to design a better future. Imagining what is possible, we turn problems into solutions.
We provide advisory, design, delivery and asset management services on projects across a range of markets, in locations worldwide.
Understanding the value of expertise, we mobilise our global pool of talent to understand and solve the critical and complex problems you face. We seek to unravel complexity, create clarity and invent new value for you.
We use our thinking to provide innovative solutions.
We bring ideas to life by partnering with you and using our innovation and expertise, with technology, to solve your complex problems.
To find out more about what we have been up to visit our newsroom, or take a glimpse into the future on our Just Imagine blog.
Privately owned by employees, Aurecon formed in 2009 when Africon, Connell Wagner and Ninham Shand announced the formation of a new global group.
Please visit www.aurecongroup.com for further information.
© Press Release 2018