Gensler has appointed Elliott Pears as Regional Sports Leader for Asia Pacific and the Middle East (APME). Recognised globally for its impact across architecture and design, the firm continues to expand its leadership platform through strategic appointments in key growth regions.
“Elliott brings a rare combination of global expertise and local insight,” said Lisa Munao, Managing Director of Gensler Australia. “His leadership will strengthen our ability to deliver sports and entertainment venues that engage communities and create lasting value.”
An Australian-born architect, Pears returns home to lead the growth of the regional Sports & Entertainment Practice, reinforcing Gensler’s long-term commitment to one of the world’s most dynamic sports and entertainment markets.
Across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, sports and entertainment infrastructure is entering a new phase of investment and reinvention. In India, public and private capital is driving upgrades to legacy stadiums and the development of flexible, multi-sport, entertainment-ready venues. In China and Southeast Asia, basketball and football are fuelling demand for high-performance arenas and advanced training facilities.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, sports precincts are increasingly designed as anchors for tourism and mixed-use development. This regional momentum aligns closely with Gensler’s approach to sports and entertainment design, integrating venue, city, and experience thinking to create spaces that perform year-round, reflect local culture, and support broader economic and community objectives.
“APME represents one of the most compelling growth frontiers for sport globally,” said Ryan Sickman, Global Leader of Gensler’s Sports Practice. “Expanding our leadership platform into the region is a deliberate step in strengthening our global network. Elliott’s ability to bridge creative vision and technical execution positions us to accelerate growth across APME and deliver the high-performance environments our clients expect.” - TradeArabia News Service
