Christopher Barnes
Glasgow
Summary
Senior Business Development leader with over 20 years’ experience driving revenue growth for design and build firms across the UK and Middle East. Specialist in self-generated lead development, C-suite engagement, and building multi-million-pound opportunity pipelines. Recognised for consistently delivering high-value appointments and opening strategic doors without reliance on marketing-generated leads.
A commercially astute, self-sufficient operator with extensive GCC market exposure.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Business Development
Populous Design & Build
London/Riyadh
2021.10 - Current
- Lead business development strategy across UK and KSA markets.
- Generate and qualify high-value opportunities through proactive market intelligence.
- Secure C-suite appointments across commercial, hospitality, mixed-use and workplace sectors.
- Consistently build multi-million-pound sales pipelines.
Head of Business Development
TDA Interiors
London
2015.08 - 2021.09
- Directed new business strategy and pipeline development.
- Independently sourced and secured major project opportunities.
- Built long-term executive relationships across key sectors.
Head of Business Development
Bluu Solutions Qatar
Doha
2009.02 - 2015.07
- Led GCC-focused business development initiatives.
- Developed strong regional client networks in Qatar and wider Middle East.
- Delivered substantial revenue opportunities in commercial interiors.
Business Development Manager
TDA Interiors
London
2007.04 - 2009.01
- Generated qualified appointments for senior sales teams.
- Built early Middle East market exposure.
Business Development Manager
Interaction Interiors
London
2005.02 - 2007.03
- Focused on high-level telesales and executive appointment setting.
- Established foundation for long-term career in design & build business development.
General Manager
Various restaurants in Soho, London
London
1995.04 - 2005.01
- Prior to my life in D&B, I actually ran various restaurants in the West End of London, including Soho House and Anthony Worral-Thompson's Dell Ugo.
Skills
- Middle East Market Development (KSA, Qatar, GCC)
- C-Suite Appointment Setting
- Strategic Lead Generation
- Multi-Million-Pound Pipeline Creation
- Executive Relationship Building
- Market Intelligence & Opportunity Tracking
- Remote Business Development Leadership
Timeline
Head of Business Development
Populous Design & Build
2021.10 - Current
Head of Business Development
TDA Interiors
2015.08 - 2021.09
Head of Business Development
Bluu Solutions Qatar
2009.02 - 2015.07
Business Development Manager
TDA Interiors
2007.04 - 2009.01
Business Development Manager
Interaction Interiors
2005.02 - 2007.03
General Manager
Various restaurants in Soho, London
1995.04 - 2005.01