Damien Goodwin steps into a pivotal leadership role to drive operational excellence across the UAE, After an impressive eight-year tenure at INC
Damien Goodwin, INC UAE
Damien Goodwin, INC UAE

Following a dynamic eight-year journey with INC, Damien Goodwin will now take on a pivotal role in leading operational excellence across INC UAE’s growing portfolio. Having played an integral part in the company’s expansion and delivery success, his insights, shaped by years of hands-on project experience in the region, will bring strategic value to the UAE operations. With a focus on streamlining processes, strengthening client relationships, and nurturing high-performing teams, Damien’s leadership is set to elevate INC’s impact across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and now Ras Al Khaimah, where INC are proud early adopters, marking a bold move into this emerging market and continuing their regional growth trajectory.

INC is proud to announce the promotion of Damien Goodwin to Managing Director of INC UAE,
an appointment that recognises his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and significant contribution to the company’s evolution.

Damien joined INC in March 2017 as a Project Manager and quickly established himself as a key figure in the business. His steady rise through the ranks, from Operational Manager to General Manager and now Managing Director, reflects not only his deep understanding of the design and fit-out industry, but also the trust and respect he has earned across the organisation.

“It’s been an incredible eight-year journey with INC, and I’m honoured to step into this role alongside the highly talented team,” says Damien Goodwin. “Our success to date has always come down to the people around me. I have every confidence that together, we’ll continue to push boundaries and transform spaces that set new benchmarks across the region.”

This appointment is a powerful endorsement of INC’s ‘promote from within’ ethos. By investing in their people, through a culture of wellbeing, structured upskilling, and mentoring programmes, they have grown not just as a team, but in their capacity to consistently enhance the client experience.

Under Damien’s guidance, INC UAE has more than doubled its project capacity and significantly diversified its client portfolio. His expertise has contributed to securing numerous accolades including the ‘Fit-Out Firm of the Year’ award at the 2024 Design Middle East Awards, one of the region’s most competitive and coveted accolades.

In his new role, Damien will continue to lead both the Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, as well as steer INC’s expansion into Ras Al Khaimah. This latest move positions INC as early adopters in the RAK market, a clear signal of the company’s forward-thinking approach and ambition to unlock new opportunities across the Emirates.

His promotion also strengthens INC’s unified leadership approach across the Middle East and Africa, with Andrew Mulligan, Managing Director of INC KSA, and Thuli Zulu, Managing Director of INC Africa, driving the Group’s vision of delivering transformative, sustainable, and human-centric spaces.

Looking ahead, Damien’s focus will include driving innovation and embedding digital technologies into the business to elevate project delivery and client experience. By championing digital transformation, from smart workplace integrations to enhanced data-led project management, he aims to position INC UAE at the forefront of the region’s evolving commercial interiors landscape.

“Working with Damien is like having a masterclass in leadership every day, with a side of good humour,” says Taliza Suzara, Project Coordinator at INC UAE. “He’s got this rare mix of big-picture thinking and genuine care for the team, and that’s what makes him such a great leader.”

Damien’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment in INC’s trajectory, as the company continues to build a reputation for designing and delivering workplaces that reflect innovation, environmental consciousness, and excellence in execution.