Turner & Townsend Appoints Michael O'Connor-Atkin as Sports & Venues Lead for Asia

TOKYO—Global program management firm Turner & Townsend has appointed Michael O'Connor-Atkin as Director of Sports & Venues for Asia. This appointment further strengthens the firm's ability to support clients undertaking large-scale, high-profile sports and entertainment facility developments across the region.

Michael brings over 10 years of specialized experience in major facility construction projects, with a proven track record of steering innovative client visions toward commercially sound and reliable realization under clear planning. Prior to joining the Asian business, he built a distinguished career in the UK, playing a central role in the realization of large-scale arena developments.

Most recently, he led the commercial drive for a flagship arena project in Cardiff, UK, serving at the core of a nationally significant project. Known for his hands-on approach, Michael combines deep commercial knowledge with expertise in risk management. He consistently focuses on what clients value most: clear decision-making, risk control, and the realization of facilities that open on schedule, achieve commercial success, and create superior experiences.

During his time in the UK, he also contributed to the growth of Turner & Townsend's sports and leisure team. He pushed forward the building of organizational capabilities to execute increasingly complex and large-scale projects while supporting clients in a rapidly evolving market.

Based in Tokyo, Michael will oversee the deployment of sports and venues services across Asia. Working closely with clients, he will formulate strategies, manage risks, and drive the realization of world-class facilities that stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Sumit Mukherjee, Managing Director and Head of Real Estate for Asia at Turner & Townsend, commented: "We are witnessing great ambitions for sports and entertainment facilities across Asia. However, these projects are complex and their significance is very high. Clients are looking for a partner who truly understands the pressures they face and can help them make the right decisions at the right time.

"Michael combines high technical expertise with actual delivery experience. He knows exactly what it takes to lead a project to success and provides support that gives clients confidence. This appointment is a major step forward for us and for our clients in this sector."

Michael O'Connor-Atkin said: "What I find most rewarding about this sector is that these projects truly have important meaning. They are high-profile, bring people together, and must function in every aspect, from fan experience to long-term commercial performance.

"Success is not just about the opening day. It is about how the facility functions over time. I am committed to working closely with clients to ensure that early-stage decision-making leads to robust operations, a resilient business model, and sustainable value.

"There is a great opportunity in Asia now. I look forward to leading these projects to success together with our clients."

About Turner & Townsend
Turner & Townsend is a global program management firm with over 23,000 employees in 64 countries.
Working with clients in the real estate, infrastructure, energy, and natural resources sectors, it provides large-scale program, project cost and commercial management, project control and performance management, as well as net zero and digital solutions in markets around the world.
Turner & Townsend is majority-owned by CBRE Group, the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm and a key provider of critical infrastructure services, with partners holding a significant non-controlling interest.