Donna Sultan ‘key figure in construction industry’
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti, Donna Sultan, the President and CEO of KEO, has once again secured a place among the most influential leaders in the Middle East’s construction sector, according to Construction Week Middle East’s annual #Power100 list.
This notable list highlights key figures from various sectors who collectively drive the region’s construction industry. Acknowledging the recognition, Donna Sultan stated, “This inclusion in the distinguished list with industry peers is indeed an honor. My congratulations to all on the list.”
Known for her dedication and passion, Donna Sultan is a key figure in the construction industry, inspiring others through her unique approach to leadership and excellence. She has held the title of CEO of KEO International Consultants for over 30 years and has been integral to the firm’s expansion. She assumed the additional role of President in 2016. Under her leadership, KEO, as a group, diversified to offering full range of multi-disciplinary project and construction management, architectural, engineering, and sustainability services.
Her strategic oversight saw the establishment of specialized Allied Practices; InSite, C-Quest, and Black Mule further contributing to KEO’s growth. Starting from a single office, KEO’s reach has extended to eight central offices and over 100 active field offices across the Middle East and Europe, employing close to 2,500 staff. Guided by Donna’s vision, KEO has earned global recognition and is associated with prestigious developments and constructed projects spanning the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe.
KEO’s sustained excellence has been recognized earning consistent rankings for 19 years as one of the top 20 Non-US PM/CM firms and among the top 200 International Design Firms. Notably, KEO ranked as the #1 architectural firm in the Middle East for the past three years and ranks globally in the top 10 for Master Planning, Mixed Use, Retail, Environmental and Sustainability Services. Her career of nearly 40 years of project delivery experience, contributions to the industry and successfully navigating KEO to being one of the leading consulting firms have been widely acknowledged.
Forbes Middle East once again listed her as one of the Most Powerful Businesswomen in 2023 and in 2022 she was named ‘CEO of the Year’. In 2017, she was named both ‘Construction Executive of the Year and ‘Female Leader of the Year’. She is annually recognized as one of the ‘Most Powerful Women in the Middle East’ and ‘Most Influential Construction Leaders’.
Beyond her professional role, Donna Sultan is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility, supporting KEO’s initiatives across their operational regions this includes the launching of KEO Academy. Since 2016, she has also served on the International Advisory Council of the Harvard-affiliated Mass General Hospital, now Mass General Brigham. Donna Sultan’s career is a testament to her commitment to her profession and community, marking her as a true leader in the industry.
