Meet The Team

Key People

The Core PMC team is underpinned by over 300 experienced specialists who are ambitious and driven by their passion to deliver exceptional services to our clients and partners across the globe.

Senior Leadership Team

LEE HEWITT

Managing Partner

LEE HEWITT

Managing Partner

Lee has circa 15 years Middle East experience and 30+ years industry experience across the UK, MENA and Asia market, working within the buildings services sector. Lee is passionate about the continuous development of Core Emirates as a specialist consultancy, ensuring a professional reputation for quality, integrity, and successful delivery. From the careful selection of best-in-class resources, to ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest of standards; Lee is driven to ensure Core Emirates continues to expand and develop our service offerings in this diverse market.

In addition, Lee dedicates his personal time in the capacity of Chairman for the Commissioning Specialist Association (CSA) for the GCC, having written technical articles, attended webinars, and has actively been involved with the UK’s technical team to successfully release a new Commissioning Management grading module ensuring global standards are attained.

Managing Partner

Lee Hewitt

Andy Britnell

Managing Director UK

Andy Britnell

Managing Director UK

Andy has been in the United Arab Emirates since 2014. Previously Andy was a founder of a successful multidiscipline consultancy that saw him oversee growth throughout Europe and the Far East. Andy is commercially minded and ensures that the business has all the resources it needs, human and financial, to enable Core Emirates to deliver on their promise of a business that people want to work with and are proud to work for.

Andy Britnell

Managing Director UK

Ronan Keating

Commercial Director

Ronan Keating

Commercial Director

Ronan Keating

Commercial Director

Administration Team

Robin Luke

Finance Manager

Robin Luke

Finance Manager

Robin is a highly experienced financial professional with a distinguished career spanning 15 years in finance, accounting, and auditing. His journey is marked by a profound knowledge of accounting principles, financial management, and mastery of various accounting software, making him a valuable asset in organizations across diverse countries and industries.

He has played a pivotal role in managing the financial landscape of the organization. He handles various financial activities, including commercial operations, review of contracts, payment requests, and invoicing. His adeptness in fostering strong relationships with customers and vendors has contributed to the organisation's success, along with his efficient management of accounts receivable and accounts payable.

One of his standout qualities is his proficiency in preparing Financial Statements in strict compliance with international standards. His career embodies a dedication to financial excellence and a relentless pursuit of precision. With a well-rounded skill set and a reputation for making significant contributions in the financial realm, he continues to be a driving force in the world of finance and accounting.

Robin Luke

Finance Manager

Susan Perdigon

Office Manager

Susan Perdigon

Office Manager

Susan has been living in the Middle East for 18 years with the same career experience in the field of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office within the human resource department of company organization. Her maturity and experience in the Middle East trained Susan to be an expert with the knowledge and implementation of UAE Mohre Labor Law. Susan’s passion takes her to develop and manifest each rule in an efficient and effective way in compliance with employment law and regulations to begin from Onboarding to Offboarding process.

Susan also administers employees’ benefits and compensation, overseeing performance management processes, ensuring compliance with Employment Law and Regulations. As Office Manager, she also plays a strategic role in workforce, planning and development; as well as maintaining a positive work environment.

Susan Perdigon

Office Manager

Arnie Prudente

Senior Estimator

Arnie Prudente

Senior Estimator

Arnie is a Mechanical Engineer with 20 years’ experience (10+ years in UAE) in HVAC System design, installation and testing and commissioning. This includes chilled water system, supply & ventilation, and smoke control system. He is also involved in business development, tender and specification reviews, and requirements. His background also includes fire protection, life safety systems and public health systems.

He also possesses a knowledge in HVAC system and sustainable energy for green buildings. He is a proven team player who is able to communicate with people at any level with a great work ethics.

Arnie Prudente

Senior Estimator

Joseph George

IT Manager

Joseph George

IT Manager

Joseph is a Manager of Information Technology at Core Emirates with over 12 years of experience and expertise in IT Services, Digital and Automation business solutions, Service Delivery and Support. His solid technical background along with the ability to manage and motivate people ensure systems and people are effective and functioning within the limits of budget, time, and specifications of the company.

Being a Certified Information Systems Auditor, he actively manages IT security, risk assessments & has organized the IT functions to perform at optimum levels to support business unit goals. As an experienced IT Manager, he has handled numerous projects at the Core Emirates for various industries across the Middle East. Joseph has immense experience in IT Infrastructure Management, IT Auditing and Security, Servers and Networking, Digital Platforms, Web Apps and Search Engines. He is also well-equipped in handling the latest technologies, including Machine learning & Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other innovative digital business solutions.

Qualifications and Memberships

Master’s in Information Technology (MCA)
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor – ISACA Toronto)
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker – EC Council US)
MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional)

Joseph George

IT Manager

Senior Management Team

Barry Leach

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - UAE

Barry Leach

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - UAE

Barry has worked in the Building Services industry for over 25 years across a variety of market sectors covering the UK and UAE. With a BSc (Hons) Engineering Science degree, Barry has been able to successfully deliver design and build contracts including, custodial, healthcare, defence estates and education including large PFI schemes within the UK. Duties have included Design Management, Procurement Management, Health, Safety and Environment Management, Project and Commissioning Management, to attain Project Handover.

In the 10+ years Barry has been in the UAE, he has led our multi-discipline commissioning professionals to successfully deliver some of the world’s largest Healthcare and Aviation schemes; Cleveland Clinic and Midfield Terminal in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating that Barry has what is takes to provide our clients with an unparalleled service.

Barry Leach

Technical Director – UAE

Louise Pepper

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Louise Pepper

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Louise’s credentials include a BEng Hos Combined Engineering Studies and CEng MIET, has over 25 years extensive experience in Aviation, Sustainability, Renewable Energy, and oil and gas. Very capable of applying sound commercial and technical skills in diverse business areas such as Project Management, Commissioning and Hand over, Commercial Management and M&A activities. A proven track record of leading cross-functional teams with a reputation for excellence, professionalism and achieving results in challenging situations.

Louise excels at building collaborative internal and external relationships using outstanding negotiation and influencing skills. She is results orientated and an accomplished professional with strategic and operational experience in both Europe and the Middle East.

Louise Pepper

Sustainability And Energy Associate Director

Lee Scholes

FLS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Lee Scholes

FLS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Lee offers over 20+ years’ experience in the building services sector where he is custom to engagements on high value projects, but his real passion lies with Fire Life Safety and the adherence to NFPA and the UAE’s Fire Life Safety Code of Practice.

Lee has been responsible for the successful delivery for all FLS services for one of the world’s largest airports, Midfield Terminal in Abu Dhabi, where he has led multiple contractors and specialist vendors from the design stage, through procurement, installation and commissioning, including the development and validation of the site wide Cause and Effect testing and integration of circa 100,000 devices. He has liaised and gained final independent third-party sign off, both from ADACs internal witnessing authority, and Abu Dhabi’s Civil Defence.

Through his pragmatic, hands-on management style, detailed experience, and engineering knowledge, Lee ensures that all work is completed to the highest standard for all our clients.

Lee Scholes

Associate Director of FLS

Nathan Forde

MEP Project Director

Nathan Forde

MEP Project Director

Nathan is an MEP Design Director with 26 years’ experience. Nathan holds an MSc in Project Management, an HNC in Building Services and is a member of TMIET, CIBSE and PMI. Nathan covered many sectors, with detailed experience of data centers and iconic luxury hotel projects. His portfolio includes a recent client appointment with Equinix Data Centre developer and has completed numerous hospitality projects including the St. Regis Hotel in Saadiyat Island, the Eastern Mangrove Integrated Resort in Abu Dhabi, and the Yas Marina Hotel. Additionally, Nathan has delivered technical audits across a portfolio of high profile assts prior to refurbishment works being undertaken. Nathan’s technical knowledge and personable approach has resulted in consistently positive feedback from the Clients he supports and teams he works with.

His deep technical knowledge of the MEP systems enables him to find practical efficiencies and engineered solutions into design and drives his teams to practical, appropriate, and commercially viable solutions for our clients.

Nathan Forde

MEP Project Director

Mike Whetham

MEP PROJECT DIRECTOR

Mike Whetham

MEP PROJECT DIRECTOR

Mike has worked in the Building Services sector for over 35 years within the UK, Bahrain, and the UAE. He has gained significant experience in the Building Services / Project management fields, having worked in a variety of market sectors including Critical Systems Engineering, Healthcare, Education, Aviation, Commercial, Industrial, Government, Bank and Leisure, to name a few. Mikes credentials include a BTEC, HNC in building services design and SVQ level 4 in Construction management.

Mike’s role includes the management of internal Project and Commissioning Managers and Engineers, with a current focus on the successful delivery of multiple Data Centres across the region. He has also been engaged by our clients to Project Manage contractors, being responsible for the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning to attain project handover.

Mike Whetham

MEP Project Director

Metin Yerkoylu

Senior Project Manager

Metin Yerkoylu

Senior Project Manager

Metin Yerkoylu

Senior Project Manager

Anthony Coxon

Senior Project Manager

Anthony Coxon

Senior Project Manager

Anthony Coxon

Senior Project Manager

Ram Bhat

ICT Manager

Ram Bhat

ICT Manager

Ram Bhat

ICT Manager

Vidura Baddegama

Project Manager

Vidura Baddegama

Project Manager

Vidura is a highly dedicated senior commissioning engineer with over 10 years of experience in the building services sector of the construction industry combined with a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree from The University of Sheffield in UK.

Throughout his career, he has heavily contributed to multi-disciplinary teams delivering projects across several sectors such as Aviation, Data Centers, Residential buildings & Infrastructure. His experience spans over various large-scale projects spread across the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia & Bahrain namely Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A and King Salman Energy Park in KSA. With a range of valuable skills, he has executed numerous duties such as coordinating among various parties (clients, Contractors, site personnel etc.), liaising with clients to understand their needs, attending site inspections and the creation & management of numerous project progress trackers.

Vidura Baddegama

Project Manager

Jhun Rio

Project Manager

Jhun Rio

Project Manager

Jhun Rio

Project Manager

About Us

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Meet The Team

Key People

Senior Leadership Team

Lee Hewitt

Andy Britnell

Ronan Keating

Administration Team

Robin Luke

Susan Perdigon

Arnie Prudente

Joseph George

Senior Management Team

Barry Leach

Louise Pepper

Lee Scholes

Nathan Forde

Mike Whetham

Metin Yerkoylu

Anthony Coxon

Ram Bhat

Vidura Baddegama

Jhun Rio

Locations

Dubai

Abudhabi

UK

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ABU DHABI OFFICE