Mark Matthews
International Director
Dubai
Summary
Senior international executive with over 20 years of leadership experience orchestrating large-scale transformation, growth, and operational programs within government-facing, regulated, and complex environments. Innovative Project Director with strong track record in leading complex projects from conception to completion. Specialises in strategic planning, resource management, and cross-functional team leadership. Demonstrates unique ability to align project goals with business objectives, ensuring successful outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. Delivers high-quality results through decisive action and effective communication.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
International Project Director CIS
Abu Dhabi Ports Group
Abu Dhabi
06.2024 - Current
- Led government-to-government engagement across CIS markets, enhancing logistics and infrastructure initiatives.
- Advised leadership on investment frameworks and regulatory considerations for cross-border programmes.
- Drove alignment among government stakeholders, investors, and entities to facilitate execution and approvals.
- Managed public-sector engagements to strengthen stakeholder relationships.
- Oversaw digital transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency.
- Directed portfolio governance to ensure programme success and compliance.
- Facilitated public-private partnerships (PPP) for urban development projects.
- Developed business cases to support strategic investments and decision-making.
Group Business Development Director
National Marine Dredging Company
Abu Dhabi
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Secured USD$12 billion in new business across home and new markets through 2022 and 2023.
- Supported and intergrated five governmental CEPA bilateral agreements to enhance UAE expansion and economic growth.
- Led acquisition of National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) completed in July 2021.
- Represented NMDC Group as Group Business Development Director since January 2022, reporting directly to Group CEO.
- Achieved 1.5 billion USD in New Markets during 2022, driving significant revenue growth.
- Integrated in-house CRM across group for enhanced visibility on client activities and cross-selling opportunities.
- Spearheaded relationships with C-Suite executives and government entities across GCC, South Asia, Europe, and Africa.
- Engaged key clients including IHC Abu Dhabi, ADNOC Group, Saudi ARAMCO, and ONGC India.
Business Development Director
National Marine Dredging Company
Abu Dhabi
02.2020 - 12.2021
- Identified partnering opportunities to drive international growth in urban development and oil and gas sectors across GCC.
- Contributed to strategic business plan for NMDC, resulting in acquisition of NPCC and increased market position.
- Led expansion efforts in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, leveraging expertise in Government-to-Government and C-Suite relations.
- Achieved over $2 billion in growth through government and oil-related projects during 2020 and 2021.
Group - Business Development Director
Arabtec Holding PJSC
Dubai
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Promoted to Group Business Development Director in January 2019 to drive coordinated growth strategies across GCC operating entities.
- Integrated CRM system to enhance client engagement visibility and support cross-selling opportunities.
- Developed critical market intelligence for product development through systematic client activity tracking.
- Executed a five-year business plan with ambitious targets to bolster new business acquisition.
- Supported CEOs and group initiatives to expand order book and positively impact share prices on Dubai Financial Markets.
- Collaborated with divisions including Arabtec Construction, Rail, Roads, and Civil Engineering to align business development efforts.
- Fostered relationships with key clients such as ADNOC and Saudi Aramco to secure strategic contracts.
- Streamlined communication within BD Board Committee for enhanced decision-making and strategy execution.
Business Development Director
EFFECO UAE
Dubai
09.2017 - 01.2018
- Reported to CEO, accountable for 1.5 billion USD growth in 2018.
- Collaborated with senior colleagues on bid writing and tender submissions to align propositions with client needs.
- Segmented market to identify key stakeholders within Gulf region, enhancing engagement strategies.
- Utilized proactive approach to cross-sell with existing clients for short-term growth and establish new long-term relationships.
- Managed end-to-end business-to-business relationships and sales processes from pipeline through mobilization.
- Coordinated tenders across multiple disciplines to ensure alignment with business plans and maximize potential.
- Pulled teams together to focus on priority projects, ensuring optimal resource investment for maximum ROI.
Group Head of Business Development
Haydon International
Dubai
01.2017 - 09.2017
- Developed profitable new business partnerships to enhance brand reach and growth capabilities.
- Conducted in-depth research into business opportunities to identify risks.
- Conducted performance reviews, setting clear objectives and guiding staff towards achieving them.
- Streamlined internal communication channels, enhancing team collaboration and productivity.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to streamline operations, reducing lead times and improving service delivery.
- Coordinated with marketing to develop targeted campaigns, amplifying brand visibility and reach.
Regional Head of Partnerships
Guardian Wealth Management
UAE
12.2015 - 12.2016
- Established partnerships with local businesses to secure sponsorships and donations.
- Promoted inter-disciplinary research, fostering partnerships with the psychology and sociology departments.
- Attended international conferences to present research and foster academic partnerships.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key industry players to enhance market presence.
- Negotiated partnerships with influencers, extending brand reach and authenticity.
- Fostered partnerships with industry influencers and organisations, expanding market reach.
- Negotiated contracts with key accounts, securing long-term partnerships and favourable terms.
Commercial Head of Business Development / Partnerships
British Gas
United Kingdom
07.2013 - 12.2015
- Developed and executed growth strategy for new sales channels, targeting £10 million annual revenue.
- Conducted comprehensive contract reviews to mitigate risks and optimize agreements.
- Led cost reviews that revised standard pricing, significantly enhancing profit margins.
- Managed B2B pipeline and established qualification criteria to ensure compliance in regulated industry.
Sales Channel Manager
British Gas
United Kingdom
07.2011 - 07.2013
Energy Solutions Manager - Government, Local Authority & Housing Associations
British Gas
United Kingdom
03.2008 - 07.2011
Revenue Protection Cluster Coordinator
British Gas
United Kingdom
03.2004 - 03.2008
Warrant Officer
01.2001 - 03.2004
Specialist Physical Education Coach & Mentor
ACE Pupil Referral Unit
10.1997 - 07.2000
- West Sussex County Council
Education
Executive Education & Leadership Programme for C- Suite -
INSEAD
Abu Dhabi01.2023
Stakeholder Management & Managing Change Diploma -
Coventry University
01.2008
Prince 2 Project Management -
Coventry University
01.2008
6176 & 6177 Renewable Tech & Energy Efficiency -
Cardiff University
01.2006
NVQ Revenue Protection -
Coventry University
01.2005
ISO 9001 Internal Auditor -
Coventry Campus
01.2000
British Gymnastics Coach -
Brighton College
01.1999
A-Levels -
St. Bart’s Newbury
01.1999
ASSA Swimming Teacher -
Brighton College
01.1998
10 – O-Levels GCSE’s -
The Clere
Burghclere, UK01.1997
Skills
- Project management
- Business development
- Strategic planning
- Market analysis
- Risk assessment
- Client relationship management
- Government relations
- Negotiation strategies
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Revenue growth
- Team leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Data-driven decision making
- Performance optimization
- Positive attitude
- Leadership skills
- Leadership excellence
- Client relationship building
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
www.linkedin.com/in/markarmatthews
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
French
Intermediate
B1
Interests
- All sports
- Weekend adventures with children
- Sky-Diving
- SKUBA Diving
- Swimming
- Golf
- Travelling
- Self Development
- Education for children
- Learning about cultures
- Recently started learning languages
Timeline
International Project Director CIS
Abu Dhabi Ports Group
06.2024 - Current
Group Business Development Director
National Marine Dredging Company
01.2022 - 06.2024
Business Development Director
National Marine Dredging Company
02.2020 - 12.2021
Group - Business Development Director
Arabtec Holding PJSC
01.2019 - 01.2020
Business Development Director
EFFECO UAE
09.2017 - 01.2018
Group Head of Business Development
Haydon International
01.2017 - 09.2017
Regional Head of Partnerships
Guardian Wealth Management
12.2015 - 12.2016
Commercial Head of Business Development / Partnerships
British Gas
07.2013 - 12.2015
Sales Channel Manager
British Gas
07.2011 - 07.2013
Energy Solutions Manager - Government, Local Authority & Housing Associations
British Gas
03.2008 - 07.2011
Revenue Protection Cluster Coordinator
British Gas
03.2004 - 03.2008
Warrant Officer
01.2001 - 03.2004
Specialist Physical Education Coach & Mentor
ACE Pupil Referral Unit
10.1997 - 07.2000
Executive Education & Leadership Programme for C- Suite -
INSEAD
Stakeholder Management & Managing Change Diploma -
Coventry University
Prince 2 Project Management -
Coventry University
6176 & 6177 Renewable Tech & Energy Efficiency -
Cardiff University
NVQ Revenue Protection -
Coventry University
ISO 9001 Internal Auditor -
Coventry Campus
British Gymnastics Coach -
Brighton College
A-Levels -
St. Bart’s Newbury
ASSA Swimming Teacher -
Brighton College
10 – O-Levels GCSE’s -
The Clere