As Executive Director of HSEQ (Health, Safety, Quality and Environment) at NEOM, Dr. Robert Cooling is charged with protecting the safety, health and well-being of the workforce across one of the world’s largest construction projects and a development that is growing exponentially.
A key part of his wide-ranging occupational health and safety role is the development and maintenance of a robust health and safety strategy at NEOM, and ensuring that the correct governance and assurance is in place to safeguard everyone working across the giga-project’s numerous sites. His mandate also includes the design and implementation of health safety programs, including training and development, to help establish a positive health and safety culture.
Prior to joining NEOM in August 2022, Robert successfully completed a five-year tenure as Vice President of HSEQ at Expo 2020 Dubai, the world exhibition that opened its doors to the public on October 1, 2021. Robert’s achievement in ensuring the success of the Expo was particularly remarkable in view of the additional constraints that the coronavirus pandemic imposed on top of the existing health and safety challenges of an exhibition that attracted 24 million visitors over its six-month run.
Other significant activities Robert has been involved with in the region include working with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects in a client advisory role that saw him lead a three-year transformation project to integrate health and safety into the planning, design and construction of Dubai’s aviation-related infrastructure.
Prior to that, he was employed in a strategic program management role for Qatar Rail, responsible for establishing HSEQ strategies, policies and plans for rail projects associated with the FIFA World Cup 2022. Before that, he advised on a country-wide occupational health and safety assurance program across electricity generation and distribution assets for the Authority for Public Services Regulation in Oman.
Robert previously worked in the Kingdom offering advice to the Saudi BinLadin Group, which incorporated a review of HSEQ standards and the development of a corporate HSEQ governance framework and management system. His first role in the region saw him acting as a consultant for the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, leading a health and safety transformation project, including the development and delivery of health and safety training programs across all RTA sectors and agencies.
Robert holds an MBA from London Business School; a Doctorate in Health and Safety Law and a Master of Arts in Health, Safety and Environmental Law from Salford University; and a Bachelor of Science in Safety and Environment from Hull University, all United Kingdom institutions.
