AESG, a global international consultancy, engineering and advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Brent Ridgard to lead its Environmental Division in the Middle East.
Ridgard reportedly brings over 25 years’ experience to the role and joins AESG from WSP, where he served as the firm’s National Director of Environmental Assessment & Planning for Australia.
Prior to his role at WSP, he was the Middle East Director of WSP Environment and Energy. In this role, he served as the project lead in the development of Dubai’s Green Building Regulations.
As Director of Environment, Ridgard will lead the regional delivery of services that include environmental and social impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, environmental management, environmental site supervision and compliance, environmental monitoring, environmental compliance and due diligence auditing, and environmental risk assessment.
Ridgard’s appointment comes against a backdrop of regional growth in the development sector. In fact, some countries are projecting growth rates of 3 per cent or more in the next three years, it was shared.
It also coincides with a “flight of funds” heading towards projects that “deliver on environmental sustainability commitments,” according to Saeed Al Abbar, CEO at AESG.
“The resulting surge in demand for our environmental services makes this the opportune moment to place Brent at the helm,” said Al Abba.
Adding: “I am confident in his ability to further advance the scope and quality of our sustainability and environmental portfolio, furthering our value proposition as the partner of choice for multidisciplinary integrated design engineering and design solutions that as well delivers all services relating to environmental consultancy in a pragmatic, innovative and cost-effective manner.”
Al Abba outlined that the urgency of mitigating climate change and protecting the “unique and precious” biodiversity and natural capital of the region has “never been more pronounced,” noting that the Middle East is now at an inflexion point where it must balance “ambition” with “environmental stewardship.”
Ridgard echoed this: “Now is the time for the region to demonstrate its leadership and set new benchmarks for environmentally conscious development and progress.”
“I am excited by the prospect of empowering clients to rise to the occasion,” he added.