Pagano adds AlUla to his to-do list of Saudi giga-projects

• Named managing director of AlUla
• Also CEO of Red Sea Global
• Other roles at Neom and KAFD

Giga-project chief John Pagano is adding another Saudi top job to his CV. He has been named managing director at AlUla Development Company and will perform the role alongside his existing job as group CEO of Red Sea Global. 

This makes Pagano responsible for three Public Investment Fund-owned developments: the Red Sea, Amaala and AlUla. He is also managing director of KAFD Destination Management Company and a board member at Neom. 

Pagano succeeds Fabien Toscano as boss of AlUla and will oversee four operational hotels and the Maraya Concert Hall at the development. Toscano is moving to Jeddah Economic Company as CEO.

“Pagano will steer our strategic direction across asset development, operations, partnerships and long-term initiatives, reinforcing our role as a key driver of AlUla’s transformation in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030,” AlUla Development Company said in a statement.

The 66-year-old Canadian, who was previously managing director of the Canary Wharf development in London, joined RSG as group CEO in 2018. Other giga-project chiefs have come and gone since then, while Pagano has held on. 

Earlier this year he was awarded Saudi citizenship, a rarity in the region. In October, he told Reuters he had joined the board of directors at Neom. 

RSG opened its first ultra-luxury resort in November 2023. Four more resorts opened in 2024 and five this year. Pagano has said it will open another 17 by May 2026.

“Our ambitions are beyond just the Saudi Arabian market,” Pagano said in October. He added that RSG was looking at a tourism project in Italy as its first venture abroad.

“That’s done, done, done, done,” said Pagano, when asked how far along the overseas deal had come.

AGBI has contacted Pagano via RSG for comment.

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