Eamonn Doherty - Global Business Icons 2025

Leader at a Glance

A globally experienced HSSEQ leader who rose from hands-on construction to guiding safety excellence across giga projects, known for resilience, digital innovation, strong safety culture, and a people-first approach to building sustainable, high-integrity operations.

Name: Eamonn Doherty
Designation: Director of HSSEQ / MRI
Industry: SAMA Construction (C.J.S. CO.)
Country: Saudi Arabia

Eamonn Doherty - Global Business Icons 2025

Eamonn Doherty is Director of HSSEQ at SAMA Construction leading the integration of health, safety, security, environment, and quality across several of Saudi Arabia’s largest giga projects. Beginning his career as a construction labourer in Ireland, Eamonn developed a strong foundation in safety, teamwork and operational discipline. His journey from General Mason to senior HSSEQ roles spanned across offshore and onshore drilling, marine operations, shipyard construction, and corporate leadership. With experience across Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East and the Americas, he brings a global perspective to managing HSSEQ in highly regulated environments. Eamonn’s leadership is defined by resilience, continuous learning and a vision that empowers people, leverages advanced technologies and prioritizes sustainable practices. In a recent interview with The Portfolio Magazine, he reflects on his career path, the challenges he’s overcome, the principles that guide him and his commitment to shaping a safer and greener future.

What key milestones shaped your career path and led you to become Director of HSSEQ/ MRI at SAMA Construction?

I began my career in the construction industry gaining hands-on experience before training as a General Mason. This foundation led to work on major commercial and industrial projects in the UK and U.S. At 27, I launched a small residential construction business, where I developed a strong awareness of employer responsibilities, particularly around health and safety. This interest evolved into a focused HSSEQ career. I then applied for a role as a Safety & Survival Instructor in the offshore drilling and marine industry, both developing, delivering and ensuring high training standards were maintained. A further opportunity led me to the Middle East, which marked a turning point. I was invited to take part in a bespoke offshore HSE Officer trainee programme with a major Drilling Contractor. Over seven years, I advanced through roles from a HSE Officer to HSE Advisor to Regional & Corporate HSSEQ Manager, overseeing global operations. Today, at SAMA Construction in Saudi Arabia, I apply my experience to support giga project delivery and lead the development of integrated HSSEQ systems.

What are the toughest challenges you face in your current role, and how have your past experiences helped you handle them?

Today, I oversee an integrated HSSEQ framework that’s far more than just preventing incidents. It’s about creating environments where excellence thrives and risks are managed proactively. One major challenge was implementing a new Integrated Management System. Initially, there was hesitation, driven by the mindset of “we’ve always done it this way.” Many of the new processes, technologies, and digitised compliance tools were unfamiliar in construction compared to Oil & Gas, where such measures are more a commonplace. My past experiences taught me that resistance to change is natural but manageable. Through continuous training, clear justification and demonstrating tangible results, we gradually shifted perceptions. It wasn’t about enforcing rules but about showing how these changes made our work safer, more efficient, and more sustainable in the long term.

“My past experiences taught me that resistance to change is natural but manageable.”

How do you see global trends in safety, quality, and construction shaping the way SAMA operates today?

Digital tools have revolutionised HSSEQ systems. Real-time reporting platforms, predictive analytics, drone inspections and AI-assisted audits now allow us to shift from reactive to proactive risk management. At SAMA, this means we don’t wait for incidents; we identify patterns early and continuously improve performance. Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s giga projects are driving environmental and social responsibility. At SAMA, we’ve embedded sustainability into planning and execution, reducing waste and using ecoconscious materials. SAMA’s dedicated HSSEQ team play a pivotal role in supporting and reinforcing our industry reputation coupled by the commitment from our Chairman and Senior Leadership.

Which new technologies in safety and operations excite you the most, and how will they change your function at SAMA?

What excites me most are integrated digital applications providing real time data. These solutions enable one-stop access to safety, quality, compliance and environmental metrics accelerating positive decision-making. As Director of HSSEQ, my role is now diversifying into digital leadership, ensuring technology adoption aligns strategically and delivers real value to projects, people and clients. This shift is critical for keeping us at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

“I firmly believe that culture eats compliance for breakfast. Without a strong safety culture, no system works.”

What principles or habits guide your leadership style and keep you motivated in such a demanding role?

First and foremost, people come first. Technology evolves, and processes change, but people remain at the heart of HSSEQ. Leading by example, ensuring safety and ethical standards are demonstrated, not just written in manuals. Being visible, communicating, consulting and participating with the workforce, and providing feedback is key. I’ve been fortunate to work at all levels of HSSEQ. I believe that culture eats compliance for breakfast. Without a strong safety culture, no system works. I focus on empowering every team member and recognising their contributions. Continuous learning is another habit I embrace; every role has taught me something new, helping me improve processes and leadership every day. To those starting out in this field, my advice is simple: take every opportunity to learn, say yes to challenges, ask questions, step out of your comfort zone and stay grounded in your values. You’re not just managing systems, you’re protecting lives, reputations and futures.

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