Ahmed Al Assadi

    Ahmed has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and 30 years’ experience in Government Affairs in the United Arab Emirates. As an Emirate, using his network of local connections and extensive knowledge of global legal and political affairs, he supports and guides Cracknell on its business practices within the context of UAE legislation and regulations.

    Over the course of his twenty years with Cracknell, Ahmed has contributed to the company’s continued success by supporting the company’s engagement with UAE policies, monitoring and investigating regulatory and legislative developments and proactively working with the management team to ensure that the company’s interests are considered and protected.

    Colleen D Souza

    Colleen has over 30 years’ experience in planting design and specification from diverse regions of the world. She has been instrumental in expanding the plant typologies used in the MENA regions, challenging local standards and adding ecological and resilience value.

    Colleen is passionate about introducing and working with a native/indigenous plant palette and encourages local nurseries to propagate & stock water-wise native plants. With her knowledge of tropical, arid and temperate species, she brings each project to life, creating memorable, dramatic landscapes with distinct character and sense of place.

    Eric Kainer

    Eric is an architect with over 30 years’ experience, 16 years in the Middle East. As a Senior Director at Cracknell his role includes oversight of Project Management, Quality Assurance and Commercial Operations ensuring that the bidding, contract administration, risk management and quality assurance systems for the delivery of all projects are coordinated and well integrated.

    Eric brings a wealth of experience, attention to detail and a passion for delivering projects in the best ways possible supporting our design teams and providing our clients with the confidence that their projects are being delivered efficiently to the highest standards.

    Ben White

    Ben has 24 years’ experience across the UK and UAE where he specialised in working as a Resident Landscape Architect overseeing implementation and supervision of landscape projects on site.

    At Cracknell he manages the Site Supervision team and oversees the company construction projects. He ensures the attention to quality and detail given at the design stages is carried through with precision and that when factors on site require innovative solutions, the design intent is maintained.

    Ben is passionate about construction
    detailing, use of climate-friendly materials and final finish presentation.

    Daniel Thomson

    Daniel has 23 years’ experience on projects across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Australia. As a Design Director, he provides leadership, inspiration, and guidance across the design teams’ project portfolio to ensure quality outcomes.

    He is a skilled leader with proven experience in business development, client liaison, lead project design development, and project management from inception to completion. Working at all scales across a multitude of sectors he takes great pleasure in the creation of high quality, memorable landscapes that enhance the built environment and the users’ experience

    Simon Francis

    Simon is an experienced Information Technology management professional with over 25 years of expertise. He has a proven track record of successfully translating business strategy into IT strategy, ensuring that technology initiatives are aligned with business objectives. Simon possesses a deep understanding of the complex interplay between business needs and technology requirements, allowing him to effectively manage all phases of IT projects regardless of size or complexity.

    Simon is a technology enthusiast who is passionate about leveraging its power to drive organisational growth, performance, and productivity. He is committed to providing efficient, secure and accurate management of information systems in fast-paced, critical, deadline-driven environments

    Robert Shakespeare

    Robert has 32 years’ experience as a design professional in the Middle East and Asia. As a Group Design Director, he has a leading role in inspiring and guiding Cracknell’s design strategies and overseeing the design and management of large scale landscape, urban design and masterplanning projects across Cracknell’s global portfolio.

    Robert is passionate about the creation of site responsive public and private realm landscapes, and sees the role of Landscape Architects as the key to shaping modern cities, and creating high quality integrated sustainable urban spaces that improve the liveability of our built environment.

    David Cracknell

    David has worked with Cracknell since 2002 and as the Group CEO, he focuses on business development, promoting and strengthening the company’s core values and implementing improvements in the way Cracknell operates and delivers its services.

    Prior to joining the company, David had significant experience in engineering design and product development, project management and management consulting in the field of process improvement and achieving sustainable change.

    Philip Elliott

    Phil has a proven track record in developing robust strategies to underpin the successful growth and development of the company worldwide. Combining excellent business acumen, with a ‘hands-on’ approach, extensive experience in all aspects of general management, financial and operational analytics, and a passion for excellence and desire for quality, Phil leads the business growth and financial health of Cracknell’s global studios.

    Skillfully steering the company through the financial crisis during 2008-2012 and the COVID pandemic, Phil continues to drive and expand Cracknell’s operations globally.

    Rajan Dewan

    Rajan brings a wealth of experience and technical knowledge to the Group. His over 40 years of experience in water management and landscape construction has been instrumental in delivering numerous iconic projects across the Cracknell portfolio.

    His management skills and professionalism enable him to lead a large, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, architects, and contract administrators.
    His valuable input in design and construction detailing has been instrumental in achieving the company’s quality and sustainability objectives to create sustainable communities by conserving natural resources and investing in clean energy.

    Rajan is passionate about integrating sustainable solutions into landscape design to conserve natural resources, promote public health, and protect the environment. This includes using responsible irrigation practices, investing in clean energy, green infrastructure design, promoting community engagement, and advocating sustainable land use.