Once upon a time, in the burgeoning landscape of Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, a visionary leader named John Pagano embarked on a remarkable journey to reshape the tourism industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) and AMAALA, John became the driving force behind two sister projects poised to play pivotal roles in realizing the ambitious Vision 2030—Saudi Arabia’s roadmap for a diversified and sustainable future.

From a young age, John possessed an unwavering passion for innovation and excellence. With a remarkable 38 years of international experience under his belt, he had honed his expertise in delivering awe-inspiring, multi-billion-dollar developments across the globe. In 2018, he was handed the reins of TRSDC, where he laid the foundation for a unique eco-luxury destination, blending sustainability with opulence. Under his guidance, TRSDC blossomed into a beacon of regenerative tourism, set to transform not just the landscape but also the fabric of the global tourism industry.

In January 2021, the universe beckoned John once again with the opportunity to lead AMAALA, an ultra-luxury destination set to redefine extravagance in travel. Tasked with steering this new venture into its next exciting phase, John was ready to elevate the experience for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled luxury.

John’s saga in real estate was rich and varied, encompassing every aspect of the industry—from site acquisition to master planning, financing, construction, and asset management. His career took him to the iconic Canary Wharf in London, where he served as the Managing Director of Development. For an impressive 23 years, he contributed to the transformation of 16.5 million square feet into a bustling hub for global financial institutions. He founded the Group’s delivery organization, pivotal to its success, and made lasting impacts by establishing Canary Wharf’s residential arm, securing planning approval for thousands of new apartments.

But John’s adventures didn’t stop there. As President of Baha Mar Development Company Ltd in The Bahamas, he spent four and a half years crafting a luxurious tourism haven, overseeing the master planning and financing of a stunning $3.5 billion resort. Under his leadership, Baha Mar transformed into a vibrant destination, welcoming thousands of guests to its lavish hotels and championship golf courses each week.

Before embarking on his journey with TRSDC and AMAALA, John followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded Old Fort Capital Investments Ltd, providing strategic advice on large-scale real estate developments. His wealth of knowledge and experience was now available to others on their quests for success.

John’s foundation in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and his studies in Corporate Finance at the London Business School equipped him with not just the technical skills but also the strategic insight needed to navigate the complexities of modern real estate development.

Through John’s unwavering vision and tenacity, The Red Sea Development Company and AMAALA are not just embarking on a quest to create stunning destinations; they are crafting stories, enriching lives, and leaving a legacy that will shape the tourism landscape for generations to come.