Michael Cox

Michael is Global Commissioning Lead and Regional Head of Site Services for the Middle East, where he leads the company’s global commissioning strategy and capability while overseeing construction delivery across the region. His work is strongly focused on data centre projects, ensuring consistent delivery of high performance, mission critical facilities from construction through to full operational readiness. With over 20 years of experience in the commissioning industry, Michael brings deep technical expertise and proven leadership across complex international programmes. 

A CIBSE Grade CM3 certified professional and LEED Green Associate, Michael began his career as a hands-on Cleanroom Testing and Certification Engineer. This practical foundation underpins his approach, with a strong emphasis on system performance, validation, and quality assurance throughout construction, commissioning, and handover phases. He has progressed through a range of senior roles, including Commissioning Engineer, Commissioning Project Manager and Projects Director, leading multidisciplinary teams and driving delivery across major international developments. 

Michael relocated to the Middle East in 2011 and has since developed extensive experience managing construction, commissioning, and handover on large scale data centres, alongside projects in healthcare, laboratories, and research facilities. His background spans working with subcontractors, main contractors, consultants, and client teams, providing a comprehensive understanding of both regional construction delivery and global commissioning integration, as well as stakeholder expectations. 

In his role at Black & White Engineering, Michael drives global commissioning strategy, working closely with project teams and clients to ensure systems are installed, tested, and validated in line with performance criteria, programme milestones, and quality standards, particularly within the critical demands of data centre environments. He also leads construction delivery across the Middle East, while supporting other regions as required, ensuring effective execution and alignment with project objectives. 

Michael is recognised for his practical, delivery focused approach and his ability to manage complex construction and commissioning challenges in fast paced project environments. He brings strong leadership experience, having managed large teams of project managers, commissioning engineers, and technical specialists, and is committed to developing high performing teams that consistently deliver quality outcomes. 

With a strong emphasis on collaboration, constructability, and continuous improvement, Michael plays a key role in advancing Black & White Engineering’s global commissioning capability while strengthening construction delivery in the Middle East. His expertise supports the successful delivery of high performance, resilient infrastructure, ensuring that facilities, particularly data centres, are fully tested, operational, and ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.