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TBH is pleased to share the move of Senior Directors, Colin Fox and George Matta, to from our Sydney and Perth offices, respectively, to join our Middle East operations.
Both directors have over three decades of experience working on public and private sector projects across the globe, including significant previous project experience in the Middle East. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise which will strengthen our service offering in the region and build on our reputation as project delivery and dispute management experts.
A well-known figure in the industry, having previously held director positions at international consulting firms in Australia, the UK and the Middle East, Colin is a cost, quantum and disruption expert with extensive experience in the building and engineering sectors representing both clients and contractors at senior management level, he has also given expert testimony in multiple jurisdictions.
Colin will be assuming the role of Country Director for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), working with clients in KSA and the UAE. He will manage our cost team across the region in the provision of commercial management, risk, dispute advisory and management advice from project development through to the formal dispute phase of the project cycle. Colin brings significant experience in the provision of advice to owners and contractors, specifically on large-scale resources, infrastructure and utilities projects.
George is a recognised expert in the analysis of delay, acceleration and disruption claims, and has given evidence as an expert witness. He has been appointed as expert on several time-related and disruption claims and has been cross-examined in local and international arbitration proceedings, as well as in the Supreme Court of Western Australia. His vast project experience in Australia and the Middle East embraces several landmark and iconic projects in the resources, infrastructure and commercial sectors.
George’s role within our Middle East business units will see him leading the forensic delay and disruption services, working for clients, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, dealing with claims both up and down the line. Being a native Arabic speaker, who is also fluent in English and French, George will be a great asset to assist clients in local courts.
Commenting on the recent move, Colin Fox, said: “I am delighted to be back in region, having spent 15 years working across the Middle East previously. The arrival of both George and I is a strategic business decision and is testament to TBH’s long-term commitment to the region. This strategy will form a significant part of our business growth for the future.
We are excited to be working on some of the most renowned, mega and giga-projects in both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Having had experience on multiple iconic projects across the globe and seeing the positive outcomes that they have on the countries in which they are located, I am particularly keen to use my knowledge and experience in making a meaningful contribution to large-scale projects locally, and to the ambitious goals of countries in the region, such as Saudi’s Vision 2030.”
George Matta adds: “TBH is recognised as a specialist in project delivery and dispute resolution for large-scale projects, so it stands to reason that the Middle East is a key part of our future.
Personally, it feels like a pivotal time to return to the region with so many huge, transformational projects on the horizon. And given both mine and Colin’s vast experience on similar projects, I am pleased to be back and to have the opportunity to get involved on these projects.”
Director, Christopher Nicolas, upon welcoming the move said: “Having established TBH Middle East in 2008 as part of a joint venture, before eventually launching our standalone office in 2020, I am particularly excited that Colin and George have joined us for this next chapter of our journey.
We have worked hard in building a solid reputation within the industry over the past 15 years. With their years of experience, Colin and George will strengthen our claims and disputes service line, further enhancing our offering to our clients, and will provide additional senior management expertise to support our ongoing expansion across the region.”