Declan Sharkey — CEO

Declan is a Global Director and Senior Principal at Populous, the world’s leading design and entertainment architecture practice. He sits on both the Populous Global Holdings Board of Directors and the EMEA Board, and serves as General Manager for Populous Italia, Populous España, and Populous Deutschland. Recognised as a RIBA Rising Star in 2017, Declan became the practice’s youngest Senior Principal in 2019. Declan is currently leading several major projects across Europe and the UK, including the AS Roma Stadium in Italy, the Munich Arena in Germany, the Wrexham AFC Stadium in Wales, the Cardiff Arena in Wales, and the Cork Events Centre in Ireland. His most recent project, the award-winning Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, is the largest indoor arena in the UK and the most sustainable in Europe. Declan joined Populous from Foster + Partners in 2010, where he contributed to the prestigious McLaren Technology Centre and The Langley Academy. Throughout his career, he has worked on a diverse global portfolio, including performance and entertainment venues across Europe and the UK, as well as large-scale sports masterplans in the UK, India, and China. In 2012, Declan led an international delegation organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Visiting ten cities across India, his expertise proved instrumental in shaping the future infrastructure development plans for the Indian Super League. In addition to his architectural work, Declan plays a key role in driving the practice’s business development for new stadiums, arenas, and elite training facilities throughout the EMEA region. Since his early career work on The Langley Academy—one of the UK’s most environmentally sustainable educational buildings—Declan has remained committed to developing sustainable solutions for large-scale audience venues around the world. His leadership on the award-winning Co-op Live Arena, Europe’s most sustainable arena, reflects this commitment. He also plays a central role in advancing Populous’s strategic sustainability initiatives, promoting health, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility across its projects, culture, and working practices.

Stackforce AI infers this person is an expert in architectural design and project management for sustainable large-scale venues.

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Experience: 19 yrs 9 mos