The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has appointed Aaron Hennessy FCIOB CEnv as its new Chairman, effective from July 2026. Hennessy currently serves as Managing Director of Douglas OHI and Chief Operating Officer of OHI Group in Oman. According to the announcement, he succeeds into the leadership position after serving as Vice Chairman of the CIOB Oman Hub and previously as Chairman of the Hub between 2020 and 2023.
The appointment reflects CIOB’s decision to place an experienced construction leader at the helm as it continues promoting professional standards across the industry. With more than 25 years of international experience, Hennessy has worked across Ireland, the UAE, Qatar, Libya, Liberia, Oman and Saudi Arabia, leading large scale engineering and construction projects while managing multicultural teams.
Aaron Hennessy brings decades of industry experience
Aaron Hennessy has built his career across construction, engineering and infrastructure, holding senior leadership roles throughout the Middle East and Europe. His professional profile describes him as a Chartered Director with expertise in project delivery, commercial strategy, client relationship development and organisational leadership.
He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of OHI Group, a diversified Omani business operating across engineering, construction, oil and gas, power, water, real estate, investments, telecommunications and other sectors. Alongside that role, he is Managing Director of Systems Integration & Management and Managing Director of Douglas OHI Group, where he oversees operations across Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
His career has also included senior positions with Interserve, BAM International and John Sisk & Son, providing experience across international construction markets and complex infrastructure projects.
CIOB Oman supports professional standards
CIOB said Hennessy brings extensive strategic expertise together with a strong commitment to raising professional standards across the construction sector. The organisation noted his passion for transformation and industry development as key qualities supporting his appointment.
The new Chairman has maintained a long association with CIOB in Oman. Before taking on the latest position, he served as Vice Chairman of the Oman Hub from June 2025 and previously chaired the Hub between 2020 and July 2023.
His professional profile also highlights his commitment to continuous professional development. Hennessy holds multiple professional designations, including Fellow of CIOB, Fellow of RICS, Chartered Environmentalist, Chartered Engineer and Chartered Quality Professional.
Regional leadership continues at Douglas OHI
Alongside his CIOB responsibilities, Hennessy continues to lead Douglas OHI across several Gulf markets. The company operates in major construction and engineering projects spanning oil and gas, industrial facilities, infrastructure and hospitality developments.
According to his profile, his leadership focuses on safety, environmental performance, operational efficiency, quality and disciplined project delivery. He also works with professional organisations including CIOB and RICS to encourage collaboration, innovation and standardisation within the construction industry.
Hennessy has also built a career across several international construction organisations, including Interserve, BAM International and John Sisk & Son. His experience covers strategic planning, commercial management and the delivery of complex engineering projects across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
CIOB Oman advances construction leadership
The appointment places an executive with extensive regional experience in one of CIOB’s senior leadership positions. While the organisation’s announcement focuses on professional leadership, Hennessy’s background demonstrates long standing involvement in construction management, organisational development and industry engagement across the Middle East.
As Chairman, he will help guide CIOB’s work while continuing his executive responsibilities within OHI Group and Douglas OHI. The appointment takes effect in July 2026 and reinforces his ongoing role within the construction profession across Oman and the wider region.
Hennessy’s appointment also builds on his previous leadership within CIOB Oman, where he earlier served as Chairman of the Oman Hub. His continued involvement reflects an ongoing commitment to professional development and collaboration across the construction industry in Oman.
