Anthony Aikenhead is the chief development officer at the Sports Boulevard Foundation where he oversees construction of the Sports Boulevard, the world’s largest urban linear park in Riyadh.
In this role, he is responsible for project and program delivery, particularly as it relates to schedule and budget. He is also developing the design and construction division of the Sports Boulevard, encouraging knowledge-sharing within the delivery team.
Aikenhead has implemented a strategic approach to effective risk management at the Sports Boulevard, creating a formal structure that has led to several proactive measures, including thorough risk assessment and continued monitoring and evaluation.
He curated and led the development of Sports Boulevard’s program execution plan, which delineated the project’s planning phase, procurement strategy and management processes.
Aikenhead has more than 40 years of practical experience in real estate and development.
Prior to joining the foundation, he held various roles at Sir Robert McAlpine, a leading UK construction and civil engineering company. From 2011 to 2016, he was director of operations and CEO, during which time he devised and implemented substantial business improvements in leadership and process.
He was the project director of the London 2012 Olympic Stadium from 2007 to 2011 and oversaw delivery of the project three months early.
Aikenhead has also held leadership roles on several other major projects in the UK, including the Millenium Dome in London and Sizewell B nuclear power station in Suffolk.
Most recently, Aikenhead was chief real estate and delivery officer at Dubai Expo LLC, where he formulated the strategic delivery plan for the design and construction for the World Expo 2020 in Dubai.
