John Pagano

Pagano is the group CEO of Red Sea Global, the developer behind two of Saudi Arabia’s flagship tourism projects, The Red Sea Project and AMAALA.

He has led the organisation since its formation in 2018, when the development of The Red Sea Project was launched under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as part of the country’s broader Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. Under his leadership, Red Sea Global has evolved into a master developer focused on large-scale, regenerative tourism destinations designed to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

The Red Sea Project is centred on regenerative tourism principles, prioritising environmental conservation and low-density development across a collection of islands, coastal zones, and inland sites. Its master plan integrates strict ecological protection standards, with development designed to limit environmental impact while restoring natural habitats where possible. Early resort openings have already begun in phases, marking the transition from planning to operational delivery.

AMAALA is positioned as a high-end wellness and ultra-luxury destination, designed to attract global high-net-worth travellers seeking immersive hospitality, wellness, and cultural experiences.

Pagano brings more than three decades of international real estate and infrastructure experience across the UK, Caribbean, and Middle East. His career has been defined by operating at the intersection of large-scale development, finance, and long-term asset stewardship, across projects that require coordination between public frameworks, private capital, and complex delivery environments.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto, a technical foundation that has supported his career in complex infrastructure-led development.