We are representing a global data center operator which develops, owns and operates world-class data centre infrastructure across Asia Pacific. The organization moves quickly, focus on excellence, and build true partnerships with hyperscalers, government, and enterprise customers. Its culture is defined by real talk, ownership, and doing the right thing.

As Chief Development Officer, you will own the full development lifecycle of the regional data centre portfolio. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer with a dotted line to the Executive General Manager – ANZ, you will lead strategy through execution: site selection, investment decisioning, design, delivery, commissioning, and handover to operations.

You will scale the business's strategic development plan across APAC while unlocking new growth in Gov Cloud, colocation, and large-scale AI deployments. This is a visible, high-impact executive role shaping the future of digital infrastructure in the region.


Key Responsibilities:
Development Strategy & End-to-End Execution
- Accountable for business’s regional development program from inception to RFS completion across all regions.
- Lead execution of the strategic development plan at scale, ensuring outcomes on safety, schedule, cost, quality, and risk.
- Establish performance measures, monitor results, and report transparently to the CEO, development committees, and Board.
Growth, Investment & New Opportunities
- Source, evaluate, and progress new project opportunities across colocation, Gov Cloud, and large-scale AI deployments.
- Lead feasibility studies, risk assessments, and due diligence. Develop and own Investment Committee papers and coordinate approvals with the Board, government authorities, and lenders.
- Partner with the Executive GM – ANZ to establish and grow a dedicated Gov Cloud business.
Design, Delivery & Operational Integration
- Own development design standards, value engineering, and design assurance to ensure alignment with operational requirements.
- Lead project delivery across the region, driving disciplined capital allocation and portfolio governance.
- Accountable for commissioning governance, operational readiness, and structured handover to Operations for stable Day-1 performance and defects management.
People, Culture & External Leadership
- Lead a high-performing regional development organisation. Direct reports include Directors of Development, Procurement, Design & Engineering, Project Delivery, Commercial/PMO, and Commissioning & Handover.
- Drive capability building, succession planning, and leadership cadence across the function.
- Represent the company with industry players, policy agencies, and think tanks to stay ahead of market, regulatory, and technology shifts.
- Support the CEO on organisational development and help shape company’s culture.

Key Qualifications;
- Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business, or related field.
- Ability to obtain and maintain relevant government security clearances as required. US or Australian Defence clearance, or ability to obtain, is highly regarded.
- 20+ years of experience in business development or infrastructure leadership.
- 15+ years leading large-scale infrastructure or data centre development portfolios with full end-to-end accountability.
- Proven track record of multi-site program delivery across geographies.
- Strong experience in investment decision making, project finance, commercial governance, and corporate finance within complex structured organisations.
Data centre sector experience highly regarded.
- Executive Leadership: Board-level stakeholder management across government, lenders, and partners. Proven ability to gain trust and influence at all levels.
- Portfolio & Capital Discipline: Strong governance, capital allocation, and risk management across regional programs.
- Delivery Excellence: Relentless focus on safety, schedule, cost, and quality.
- Deep operational integration mindset.
- Commercial Acumen: Financially sound analysis for investment decisions.
- Skilled negotiator who balances all parties’ perspectives.
- Business Partnering: Collaborative leader who puts shared success above personal recognition. Excellent verbal, written, and listening skills.


If you are interested to find out more, please reach out to Ethan Tan at ethan.tan@annexion-partners.com