RIYADH, United Arab Emirates – Gensler, a global leader in architecture, design, and planning, has announced a significant change in its leadership for the Middle East.

Effective July 16, 2025, Todd Pilgreen has been appointed Co-Head of Gensler's Middle East offices, succeeding Tim Martin and joining current Co-Head Tarek El Shaikh in leading the firm's activities in the region.

This change marks the beginning of a new and dynamic phase for Gensler in the Middle East, where the firm will leverage its proven global expertise and deep understanding of the local context, enabling the new leadership team to drive the company toward further growth, innovation, and impact.

Todd Pilgreen brings over 30 years of international design and leadership experience. Since moving to Dubai last year, he has led mixed-use, retail, and consumer experiences across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East. Prior to his Middle East tenure, he served as co-manager of Gensler's Shanghai office for six years, where he established a successful career building strategic partnerships and delivering extensive architectural transformation in Asia.

Todd will share leadership with Tarek Al-Shaikh, who has been managing the Middle East operations as a co-manager since moving from Gensler's Birmingham office to Riyadh. Known for his client-centric approach and leadership of large, complex projects, Tarek has played a key role in expanding the firm's presence in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. Together, they combine their expertise and vision to strengthen Gensler's position in the region's evolving architectural and urban landscape.

Looking ahead, the new leadership will focus on developing local talent, deepening client partnerships, and promoting design excellence with the goal of achieving real impact, particularly in supporting the rapidly transforming Gulf economies.

This transition also marks the departure of Tim Martin, who led Gensler's Middle East operations for the past six years, establishing the firm's reputation in the region for innovation, quality, and customer focus.

“We are deeply grateful to Tim Martin for his leadership and commitment over these years. He leaves behind a strong legacy of excellence and collaboration,” said Teresa Shiels and David Calkins, Regional Co-Managing Directors for Asia Pacific and the Middle East. “We are excited to have Todd join this new role and are confident that, together with Tariq, they will continue to drive innovation and enhance our regional impact.”

This announcement underscores Gensler's ongoing commitment to investing in the Middle East and its pursuit of shaping cities, communities, and experiences that meet the region's future aspirations.

About Gensler

At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on human life. We are a dynamic, collaborative design firm that combines creativity, research, and innovation to deliver groundbreaking, impactful solutions to our clients. Together, we reimagine the cities, places, and experiences that shape people's everyday lives. Founded in 1965, today we employ more than 6,000 professionals who collaborate annually with clients in over 100 countries on projects that serve as engines of growth. In everything we do, we are driven by a single purpose: to build a better world through the power of design.

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