Gavin Houldin

As Chief Operating Officer at Populous, Gavin helps lead one of the world’s most influential design practices, shaping the future of sports, entertainment, and cultural destinations around the globe. From stadiums and arenas to convention centers, airports, and mixed-use districts, Populous designs the places where people come together to experience passion, connection, and celebration.

With over three decades of international experience spanning architecture, engineering, and construction, he has built a proven record of delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects and driving operational excellence at scale. Before joining Populous, he held senior leadership roles at Arcadis and AECOM, where he led large, integrated teams across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC — delivering transformational outcomes for clients in the automotive, manufacturing, and built environment sectors.

At Populous, he focuses on aligning creativity with precision — ensuring that the firm’s global offices have the systems, talent, and culture to deliver inspired design with world-class consistency. His priorities include operational integration, financial performance, sustainability, and the continued growth and impact of the global brand.

He is passionate about enabling design that moves people — from stadiums charged with collective energy to entertainment districts alive with culture and venues that stand as enduring icons of their communities.