DUBAI, UAE, 29 July 2024: AESG has announced the appointment of Brent Ridgard to lead its Environmental Division in the Middle East. Making the announcement through a Press Release, AESG said Ridgard will oversee regional services, including environmental and social impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, environmental management, environmental site supervision and compliance, environmental monitoring, environmental compliance, due diligence auditing and environmental risk assessment.

AESG said that with the Middle East development sector experiencing growth, key countries are expected to project annual growth rates of three per cent or more over the next three years. AESG said that alongside the Saudi National Centre for Environmental Compliance (NCEC), it plans to maintain its focus on managing the environmental, social and ecological impacts of this projected growth.

Saeed Al Abbar, CEO, AESG, said: “The urgency of mitigating climate change and protecting the unique and precious biodiversity and natural capital of the region has never been more pronounced. The Middle East is at an inflection point and must balance ambition with environmental stewardship.

“We are presently witnessing a flight of funds towards projects that demonstrably deliver on environmental sustainability commitments. The resulting surge in demand for our environmental services makes this the opportune moment to place Brent at the helm. His vision for nurturing a collaborative and innovative environment aligns perfectly with AESG’s values and goals. 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.”

Ridgard said, “The Middle East is one of the most exciting development and construction markets, and the eyes of the world are upon it. 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. As a regionally founded firm that has successfully expanded its operations globally, AESG embodies the entrepreneurial and ambitious spirit of the Middle East, and I am proud to join this celebrated team of industry pioneers.”

With a career spanning over 25 years, AESG said, Ridgard joins AESG from WSP, where he served as National Director of Environmental Assessment & Planning for Australia. AESG said Ridgard previously was the Middle East Director of WSP Environment and Energy, where he contributed to developing Dubai’s Green Building Regulations.