Shan Dassanaike

Chief Operations Officer at The Leith Group Head of Operations and Advisor to the Board at North American Rugby League

Shan Dassanaike has been an integral part of the growth and success of Leith Planning Ltd since 2004. Through his role as Chief Operations Officer, he has spearheaded the company's expansion into a comprehensive range of specialist development and management services, now known as The Leith Group. Shan's expertise extends globally, overseeing the Group's reach to markets in Europe, India, Sri Lanka, China, and North America. Recognized as an Export Champion for the Northern Powerhouse by the Department of International Trade, Shan has been instrumental in developing corporate strategies that have fueled the continuous growth and evolution of the Leith Planning Group. Additionally, he manages the land and property investment arm, acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of sites for both UK and overseas investors. Shan also holds the position of Chief Global Operations Officer at CREA IDEA LAB Ltd, a renowned think tank and consultancy based in Barcelona, focusing on advising governments and organizations on SMART Technology solutions for community infrastructure digitalization.