John Pagano has been CEO of the Red Sea Development Co. (TRSDC), one of three megaprojects aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy in line with Vision 2030, since January 2018.
The Red Sea development announced in July 2017 is one of the world’s most ambitious luxury tourism and hospitality projects.
Pagano, who is also CEO of Saudi Arabia’s ultra-luxury destination project Amaala, has more than 35 years’ international experience in the commercial property industry in Europe, North America and the Caribbean.
Before joining TRSDC, he headed his own company, Old Fort Capital Investments, based in London. The firm offered strategic advice and services to landowners, investors and developers with a focus on large real estate developments.
Previously, he held leading positions at the Canary Wharf development in London, where he worked from 1988 to 2005 and 2011 to 2015.
Pagano was also president of the Baha Mar Development Company, based in the Bahamas, for four years.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada.
TRSDC recently received final approval from its board for a master plan drawn up in partnership with global design firm WATG and engineering giant BuroHappold.
“With the master plan approved, we are now identifying investors and partners who are interested in working with us on realizing the objectives of the project and who share our commitment to enhance, not exploit, the natural ecosystems that make the destination so unique,” Pagano said.
