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Christopher McMahon

Country Director, Saudi Arabia

As Country Director for Saudi Arabia at Mace Consult, Chris McMahon is helping shape the future of one of the world's most dynamic construction markets, leading major programmes, driving business growth and developing the next generation of Saudi leaders. Combining global expertise with a hands-on leadership style, he brings the knowledge and experience needed to deliver complex projects, empower high-performing teams and create a legacy that extends far beyond construction.

How did you get into what you do?

I come from a farming background and have always had a keen interest in building and construction. From a very young age, I was fortunate to be exposed to construction projects and the industry firsthand. As a result, being around machinery, equipment, and construction environments has always felt natural to me. This early exposure sparked a lasting passion for the built environment and laid the foundation for my career.

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Mace Consult?

Leading such a large and diverse team at Mace Consult is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I have the privilege of working with more than 750 people across some of the world's largest and most complex programmes. The opportunity to develop talent, inspire high performance, and work alongside exceptional people to deliver landmark projects in Saudi Arabia is something I truly value.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping to develop and empower the next generation of exceptional Saudi talent. Seeing individuals grow in confidence, capability, and leadership is incredibly fulfilling and reinforces the importance of investing in people.

I am focused on leading a high-performing team and creating a legacy. I want to ensure the people we develop today are equipped to lead Saudi Arabia into, and beyond, Vision 2030. If I can help build an organisation that is stronger, more capable, and led by Saudi professionals ready to shape the future, then I will consider that one of my greatest achievements.

What has been your proudest achievement at Mace Consult so far?

Among my proudest achievements at Mace Consult are securing new commissions across major programmes in Saudi Arabia like King Salman International Airport, as well as helping to define the strategic direction of the business. This has created a strong platform for sustained growth beyond Vision 2030 while supporting the development of Saudi leadership talent that will underpin the long-term success of our organisation in the Kingdom.

Why Mace Consult?

Mace had always been on my radar and I admired the way the company operated and always seemed to be involved with the largest and most exciting programmes.

Once I started the interview process for a role at Mace Consult, I realised I had found my next home. From the beginning I felt welcomed and was given the freedom and trust to shape my own path and make a meaningful contribution to the business.

One thing I really like is the entrepreneurial spirit that exists within Mace Consult – something that has become increasingly rare in organisations of this size and scale. There is a culture of empowerment, innovation and accountability that encourages people to challenge convention, seize opportunities and make things happen. That combination of ambition and trust convinced me that this is where I want to be.

What motivates you every day?

My family, first and foremost. Beyond that, it's the drive to make a difference. You'll often hear me say that we all need to strive to be better – just 1% every day is all it takes. Those small, consistent improvements compound over time and can lead to extraordinary results.

That mindset is what motivates me and gives me the energy and purpose to do what I do, even when it means spending time away from my family. I want to create a lasting impact, whether that's developing people, improving businesses, or helping teams achieve things they didn't think were possible.

For me, success isn't about standing still and admiring what we've achieved, it's about continually learning, growing and finding ways to be a little better than we were yesterday.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

I love our industry, and my advice to anyone starting out would be to be like a sponge and absorb everything. Seek out every opportunity to learn, listen to those around you, and embrace experiences that push you beyond your comfort zone.

Don't be afraid to put yourself in awkward or challenging situations. In my experience, that's where the greatest growth happens. Some of the most valuable lessons I've learned have come from moments when things didn't go to plan, or when I've failed.

Those failures haven't defined me, they've shaped me. They have helped fuel my ambition, sharpen my purpose, and given me the resilience to keep moving forward. Every setback has provided a lesson, and every lesson has made me better.

If you're willing to learn, take risks, and view failure as part of the journey rather than the end of it, you'll be amazed how far you can go.

You've worked in both the UK and Saudi Arabia. How has that shaped you?

My experience in the UK provided me with a strong foundation in international best practice and industry-leading standards. Those experiences have been invaluable, and I have brought them with me to Saudi Arabia, where the scale and ambition of the transformation taking place is unlike anything else in the world.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that success here is not about applying Western approaches to a different market. It is about understanding Saudi Arabia's culture, priorities, and ambitions, and combining global expertise with local insight to deliver solutions that are relevant, meaningful and sustainable. The ability to adapt international best practice to the unique context of Saudi is what sets us apart.

For me, it is about taking the lessons learned throughout my career and applying them in a way that supports the Kingdom's long-term aspirations, develops future Saudi leaders, and helps build a business that delivers exceptional outcomes while leaving a legacy for our clients, people and communities.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

My family means everything to me. They are, and always will be, my top priority. They provide my motivation, my perspective, and the balance that keeps me grounded.

Outside of work, I have a few passions that help me switch off and recharge. Farming has always been close to my heart and gives me a real appreciation for hard work, patience and the importance of long-term thinking.

I’m also an enthusiastic padel player and a lifelong rugby fan. Both sports have taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience and determination – qualities that translate into my professional life as well.

Whether it's spending time with my family, being outdoors, on the padel court, or watching rugby, these are the things that keep me energised and provide the balance needed to perform at my best.

“I am focused on leading a high-performing team and creating a legacy. I want to ensure the people we develop today are equipped to lead Saudi Arabia into, and beyond, Vision 2030. If I can help build an organisation that is stronger, more capable, and led by Saudi professionals ready to shape the future, then I will consider that one of my greatest achievements.”
Christopher McMahon
Country Director, Saudi Arabia