Turner & Townsend has appointed Leila Taghavi as Head of Infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Taghavi will lead the company’s infrastructure business in Saudi Arabia as demand for major programmes increases across the Middle East.
The appointment was announced on 9 September 2026. Turner & Townsend said Taghavi will focus on growth across rail, roads, ports, water, aviation and defence.
Leila Taghavi brings 20 years of infrastructure experience
Taghavi joins the role with more than 20 years of experience in large scale infrastructure programmes. Her career spans consultancy and client side roles across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
Earlier in her career, Taghavi worked at Transport for New South Wales. There, she played a leading role in programme delivery, governance and assurance.
She also brings experience in programme management, controls, performance and risk management. These areas form part of her background across complex infrastructure programmes.
Saudi Arabia infrastructure will be a key focus
Since moving to the Middle East, Taghavi has worked on major Turner & Townsend programmes in Saudi Arabia. Her work has covered transport, aviation, urban development and destination programmes.
Turner & Townsend said the appointment comes as the business sees increased demand for major programmes across the Middle East. The company linked this demand to national transformation plans in the region.
In Saudi Arabia, Taghavi will lead the infrastructure business across several sectors. These include rail, roads, ports, water, aviation and defence.
Her mandate also includes supporting infrastructure projects connected with Saudi Vision 2030. Turner & Townsend said these programmes are supporting infrastructure transformation in the Kingdom.
Turner & Townsend expands infrastructure leadership
Graeme Baxter, Regional Head of Infrastructure, Middle East at Turner & Townsend, said infrastructure offers a growth opportunity for the company across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
Baxter said Taghavi’s experience includes complex capital programmes and services valued by the company’s clients. He added that her expertise would support Turner & Townsend’s next phase of growth.
Turner & Townsend also said it is investing in leadership as it expands its presence across the region. The company described world class leadership as part of that approach.
Taghavi outlines focus on Saudi infrastructure
Taghavi said Saudi Arabia is undertaking an ambitious infrastructure transformation. She pointed to nationally important schemes focused on connectivity, economic growth and future generations.
She also said Turner & Townsend’s experience in major programmes and client outcomes provides a platform for further expansion. Taghavi will work with clients on infrastructure projects across the Kingdom.
About Turner & Townsend
Turner & Townsend is a global programme management company with more than 23,000 people across 64 countries.
The company works across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources. Its services include major programmes, project, cost and commercial management, project controls and performance, net zero and digital solutions.
Turner & Townsend is majority owned by CBRE Group, Inc. Its partners hold a significant non controlling interest.
