Jason Whitehead serves as the Chief Executive Officer of GECO Mechanical & Electrical Ltd., a leading MEP service provider in the Middle East. Under his guidance, GECO continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the UAE’s construction and infrastructure landscape. Whitehead brings over three decades of global experience in engineering and project management to the role, driving the company to deliver innovative solutions that power modern developments.
From Global Expertise to Local Leadership
Jason Whitehead’s journey to the helm of GECO reflects a career built on ambition and adaptability. His professional path began in 1991 as a Principal Electrical Engineering Leader at Rand Water in South Africa, where he honed his skills in electrical systems. Over the years, Whitehead climbed the ranks at Honeywell, holding key positions such as Regional General Manager for South Africa, Houston, and the Middle East from 2005 to 2013. He later advanced to Vice President of Global Project Operations at Honeywell from 2014 to 2020, overseeing operations across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
Whitehead’s international exposure spans continents, including the USA, Australia, Europe, China, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. He specializes in automation and control systems for airports, the oil and gas industry, and commercial infrastructure. This diverse background equips him to tackle complex challenges, from restructuring teams to aligning businesses for growth. In 2021, he joined GECO as a Board and Management Committee Advisor before stepping into the CEO role. Whitehead’s passion for process-driven innovation shines through in his leadership, where he emphasizes safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction. He often credits his success in building strong teams, saying that true progress comes from empowering people to excel.
GECO: A Pillar of MEP Innovation in the Middle East
GECO Mechanical & Electrical Ltd. stands out as one of the UAE’s oldest and most reliable MEP contractors. Founded in 1969, the company has grown into a major player under the Albatha Engineering Group umbrella. Headquartered in Sharjah with offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, GECO employs over 2,000 professionals, including engineers and technicians. It holds certifications like ISO 9001:2015 for quality, ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management, and ISO 45001:2018 for occupational health and safety. These standards ensure GECO delivers projects that meet global benchmarks.
The company operates through specialized divisions: Contracting, Power Generation and Distribution, Fire Protection, and Facilities Management. Whitehead guides these units to focus on sustainable, high-performance solutions. GECO’s team tackles everything from initial design to long-term maintenance, making it a go-to partner for developers across the region. With a fleet of over 250 vehicles and in-house manufacturing facilities, GECO streamlines operations to complete projects on time and within budget.
Comprehensive MEP Services for Diverse Needs
GECO excels in providing end-to-end MEP services tailored to commercial, residential, industrial, and governmental projects. Its MEP division handles heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), electrical systems, plumbing, and building management systems (BMS). The company installs and maintains these systems to ensure energy efficiency and reliability.
In power services, GECO designs and builds high-voltage substations, transmission networks, and distribution systems. Registered with utilities like ADDC, DEWA, SEWA, and FEWA, it undertakes turnkey projects for power infrastructure. The Life Safety division offers fire protection solutions, including alarms, sprinklers, and suppression systems from brands like BOSCH and WAGNER. Facilities Management keeps buildings running smoothly with preventive maintenance, renovations, and energy management. Civil Engineering rounds out the offerings, providing structural support and sustainability-focused builds.
Whitehead champions innovation in these services, introducing programmes like Lean Six Sigma training to boost efficiency. This human-centred approach fosters teamwork, as seen in company events like fitness months and town halls that energize employees.
Notable Projects Showcasing GECO’s Expertise
GECO’s portfolio boasts iconic projects that demonstrate its MEP prowess. In contracting, the company contributed to the Sharjah University Complex, delivering comprehensive HVAC and electrical systems for educational facilities. It also handled MEP works for the Sahara Center Shopping Mall and Al Taawun Mall, ensuring seamless operations in high-traffic retail spaces. Luxury developments like the Grand Millennium Hotel and Al Raha Beach Theater and Resort feature GECO’s advanced plumbing and BMS installations.
Power projects highlight GECO’s technical strength. The team built 132 KV substations for Hamriyah Free Zone Authority and 33/11 KV substations for utilities like DEWA and SEWA. A standout is the 2×50 MW Rolls-Royce GTG at Al Wasit Power Plant for SEWA, providing reliable energy generation. In fire protection, GECO secured Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with state-of-the-art systems. Government works include Ruler palaces, police sites, and 186 buildings for Sharjah’s public works department.
These projects reflect GECO’s commitment to quality, often completing fast-track assignments while prioritizing safety. Whitehead’s global insights help navigate challenges, turning visions into realities that benefit communities.
Achievements and a Vision for the Future
GECO’s accolades include recognition as a top MEP contractor in the Middle East for 2025. The company won the Taqdeer Award for labor welfare and participated in events like Intersec 2025 for fire safety innovation. With over 56 years in MEP, GECO has shaped UAE’s infrastructure, from hospitals to military facilities.
Looking ahead, Whitehead envisions GECO leading in sustainable technologies, like energy-efficient systems for smart cities. He stresses collaboration, noting, “Our success stems from dedicated teams who turn ideas into lasting impacts.” As the Middle East grows, GECO under Whitehead’s stewardship remains a trusted partner, blending tradition with forward-thinking solutions.
Jason Whitehead’s dynamic leadership propels GECO Mechanical & Electrical Ltd. to new heights in MEP services. His blend of experience and vision ensures the company meets and exceeds expectations, contributing to the region’s vibrant future.
