Team Members

Karl Brandstaetter is a dynamic and results-driven Managing Director, leading the Middle East’s operation and maintenance service line activities with a focus on efficiency and reliability. With nearly 25 years of experience in the construction industry across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, Karl brings a wealth of expertise to his role. For almost two decades, he has been a key figure at Waagner Biro, where his deep industry knowledge and strong leadership have established him as a trusted executive in the field.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Project Management from the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Austria, further strengthening his technical expertise and strategic leadership capabilities.

Sharbel Wahbee as Operations Director – Projects. Sharbel will oversee Bridges & Steel Construction and Marine & Coastal Construction activities and ensure efficient and reliable performance. His objectives include identifying new opportunities, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to further strengthen the success of the Operations & Maintenance Service Line in the Middle East.

Sharbel is a seasoned Project Manager with proven experience in the construction industry. He has expertise in value engineering, bridge and highway construction projects, and special steel structures. He has been with Waagner Biro since 2014 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Tishreen University in Syria.

Garry Rochow commenced with Egis Group in 2016 and was appointed as Operations Director – Maintenance for Egis’ Operations and Maintenance Service Line (Waagner Biro Bridge Services) in 2024. Prior to this appointment, Garry successfully led and delivered several key transport infrastructure projects for Etihad Rail in the UAE in his role as Project Director in Egis’ Transportation Business Line.

In his current role, Garry leads the UAE Maintenance Division of Waagner Biro, providing world-class operations and maintenance services for the owners of bridges, tunnels and other road structures across the UAE. Garry’s extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership skills makes him a trusted and capable partner.

Garry is a Chartered Professional Engineer with more than 30 years of construction industry experience throughout the Middle East, Australia and SE Asia. Garry holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Curtin University in Western Australia and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Australia.

Nikola Zutic as Division Director of the Marine and Coastal Construction. Nikola will oversee marine and coastal construction activities and ensure efficient and reliable performance. His objectives include identifying new opportunities, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to further strengthen the success of the Operations & Maintenance Service Line in the Middle East.

Nikola holds a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Structural Engineering, Serbia. This academic background equips him with the necessary technical knowledge to effectively manage and oversee complex marine and coastal construction projects. His combination of academic qualifications and practical experience positions him as a seasoned and knowledgeable professional in the field of marine and coastal construction. With 15 years of international experience in Europe and the Middle East, he supervises all aspects of the Marine Division, along with its various projects in the region.

Nizar Azzabi joined Waagner Biro Bridges Services with a strong background in infrastructure and railway maintenance. He is the Division Director of the Infrastructure Maintenance Division – Northern UAE and is responsible for overseeing preventive and corrective maintenance operations for bridges, tunnels, underpasses, pump stations, footbridges, and the floating bridge across Dubai and the Northern Emirates. His role ensures that maintenance activities are carried out to the highest international standards, ensuring structural integrity and seamless traffic flow.

Nizar brings over 20 years of experience in civil engineering and infrastructure maintenance. He worked for nearly a decade in France, where he contributed to various infrastructure and industrial projects before moving to the Middle East to apply his expertise in railway infrastructure. He played a key role in several major projects

He holds a Master’s degree in civil engineering from the CESI in Paris, France. He is committed to delivering excellence in infrastructure construction and maintenance projects, ensuring the
longevity and efficiency of key assets across the region.

Emad Soliman is the Division Director of Infrastructure Maintenance – Southern UAE. Emad will oversee Infrastructure Maintenance in Southern UAE activities and ensure efficient and reliable performance. His objectives include identifying new opportunities, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen further the success of the Operations and Maintenance Service Line in the Middle East.

Emad holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Cairo, Egypt, and is certified by the Project Management Institute in both Project Management Professional and Risk Management, with a wealth of expertise spanning over 17 years. Emad has extensive experience in the construction industry, infrastructure maintenance, and facilities management within the Middle East. Emad has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. His illustrious history includes successfully leading numerous projects to success.

Olena Gorobets serves as the Regional Financial Controller for Operations & Maintenance Service Line in the Middle East and leading finance department of Waagner Biro. With over 18 years of experience in Ukraine and the GCC region, she brings a strong combination of strategic financial leadership and deep regional expertise.

Since joining Waagner Biro in 2021, Olena has been instrumental in driving financial performance, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening financial controls across the division. She leads all financial functions with a sharp focus on cash flow optimisation, strategic planning, budgeting, and performance analysis — ensuring alignment with the company’s growth objectives.

MBA graduate from Warwick Business School, UK, Olena is known for her results-oriented approach, collaborative leadership, and ability to translate financial insights into impactful business decisions.

Anthony Tan joined the Service Line to support the growth and expansion of Waagner Biro Bridge Services and brings with him his extensive experience and strategic insight.

As a Chartered Member of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and MCInstCES (Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors), and with an MBA, he brings a potent blend of professional credentials and strategic expertise.

With over 25 years of leadership experience across the UK and the Middle East, Anthony has successfully led and managed teams on a wide range of large-scale projects, including major airports, infrastructure and civil programmes, township development, railway and metro programmes, clean water and sewage water projects, and residential developments.

His recent roles with EGIS Emirates on the UAE Etihad Railway programme and the Hafeet Railway programme.