Core Group

Meet the Team

Our team is our greatest asset. Composed of highly skilled engineers, project managers, and technical consultants, each team member brings extensive experience in mission-critical infrastructure. At Core , we believe that teamwork and diverse expertise drive success. Our collaborative approach ensures that we deliver innovative solutions tailored to the unique requirements of every project, no matter the complexity.

Senior Management Team

Barry Leach

Operations Director – UAE

Nathan Forde

Data Centre Project Director

Metin Yerkoylu

Senior Project Manager

Anthony Coxon

Senior Project Manager

Ram Bhat

ICT Manager

Vidura Baddegama

Project Manager

Jhun Rio

Project Manager

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Lee Hewitt

Managing Partner GCC

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 Group 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 Group 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, ensuring global standards are attained.

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.

Barry Leach

Operations Director – UAE

Barry has been with Core for over ten years and has delivered some of the largest schemes both in the UK and UAE. Historically, Barry was with Skanska on flag-ship UK PFI projects such as MoD Main Building, Whitehall and The St Bartholomew’s and Royal London Hospitals Redevelopments, to long term projects such as Cleveland Clinic and the Zayed International Airport, here in the UAE. His credentials are impressive having gained educational awards including BSc(hons), MIET and MASHRAE.  His passion, drive, and commitment to delivering on programme and within budget without compromise on quality mean that he is key in supporting Core’s internal staff to ensure our client’s visions become reality.

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.

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.

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.

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)