Leading RSG since 2018, John drives sustainable luxury developments aligned with Vision 2030.
John Pagano, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Red Sea Global (RSG), has been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s transformative tourism initiatives since his appointment in January 2018. With over 35 years of international experience in large-scale development projects, John’s leadership is pivotal in realizing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.
Before joining RSG, John held significant roles, including President of Baha Mar Development Company Ltd. in the Bahamas and a 23-year tenure with the Canary Wharf Group in London. These positions equipped him with extensive expertise in delivering complex, multi-billion-dollar developments.
At RSG, John oversees the development of The Red Sea Project and AMAALA, two luxury and environmentally sustainable tourism destinations along Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The Red Sea Project, spanning over 28,000 square kilometers, aims to establish 50 resorts across 22 islands, mountain retreats, and desert hideaways by 2030. Phase One, currently under construction, includes 16 hotels and a new international airport, with the first three hotels expected to open in early 2023.
Under John’s leadership, RSG has embraced a regenerative tourism model, focusing on environmental sustainability and conservation. The company aims to achieve a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040, grow more than 30 million plants, and reach net-zero operations by 2030.
In addition to his role at RSG, John was appointed CEO of AMAALA in January 2021, further consolidating his influence over Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism sector. His vision emphasizes creating unique, sustainable destinations that offer transformative experiences for visitors while contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification.
John’s leadership has been instrumental in securing significant investments for these projects. Notably, RSG raised a SAR14.1 billion ($3.7 billion) green loan facility for the first phase of construction of The Red Sea Project, marking the first and largest Saudi Riyal-denominated green loan.
Through his strategic direction, John Pagano is not only reshaping Saudi Arabia’s tourism landscape but also setting new benchmarks for sustainable development in the global tourism industry.
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