Mark Burns to Lead EXHICON’s Venue Development Division as CEO

Mumbai, October 4th 2025:

In a significant move aimed at accelerating its infrastructure development vision, EXHICON has appointed Mark Burns as the Chief Executive Officer of Exhicon Global Development, dedicated to venue infrastructure and sustainable project delivery.

A UK citizen with over 25 years of senior leadership experience across construction, project delivery, and real estate development, Mark Burns brings with him an exceptional global track record that spans the United Kingdom, Middle East, and Asia. He has been instrumental in delivering some of the world’s most complex and celebrated projects—each a landmark in sustainable design and execution excellence.

During his two decades in the Middle East, Burns played a pivotal role in shaping pioneering developments that set global sustainability benchmarks. His contribution to Masdar City, one of the world’s first sustainable urban masterplans, included delivering six LEED Platinum-certified buildings, geothermal infrastructure, and smart systems that defined the city’s green innovation framework.

Burns also led the UAE National Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, designed by the legendary architect Santiago Calatrava, and played a key strategic role in the early stages of Neom City in Saudi Arabia—one of the largest and most futuristic urban regeneration projects ever conceived.

Among his iconic achievements stands Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, which has become a global symbol of engineering brilliance and architectural ambition.

Throughout his career, Burns has collaborated with world-renowned architects and design houses including Foster + Partners, Woods Bagot, Sheppard Robson, and Calatrava International. His portfolio features a range of prestigious projects:

• Masdar City, Abu Dhabi – Sustainable masterplan, LEED Platinum-certified developments
• UAE Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai – Landmark architectural icon by Santiago Calatrava
• Ain Dubai – The world’s largest observation wheel
• Neom City, KSA – Strategic planning and project advisory
• Siemens Middle East Headquarters – Green corporate facility with Sheppard Robson
• Etihad Eco Residence & IRENA Headquarters, Abu Dhabi – Designed by Woods Bagot
• University Projects for UAE Government – Delivered with Foster + Partners
• Al Raha Gardens, Aldar Properties – Elite community development in Abu Dhabi

In addition to his professional credentials, Burns is also a shareholder in EXHICON’s UAE-based subsidiary, Green Branch Contracting & Landscaping LLC, in which EXHICON holds a 76% stake—reinforcing his strategic alignment with the group’s regional growth ambitions.

Known for his hands-on, lean management style, Burns emphasizes budget discipline, in-house capability building, and timely project delivery. His holistic understanding of masterplanning, financial structuring, and construction execution makes him uniquely positioned to lead EXHICON’s expansion into the next generation of sustainable venues.

As CEO of Exhicon Global Development, Burns will spearhead the group’s efforts to build world-class exhibition and convention centres across India and globally, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.

“Mark’s appointment marks a decisive step toward EXHICON’s goal of developing green, globally competitive exhibition and convention infrastructure, his leadership in delivering iconic projects such as Masdar City, the UAE Pavilion, and Ain Dubai will guide our vision of creating world-class venues for the future” says Padma Mishra, Whole Time Director, Exhicon Global Development.