From Stadium Construction to Industrial Redevelopment: Emre Aksu’s Path in Project Management

At Ant Yapi and our subsidiary, Stellar Construction UK, we know that the strength of any main contractor lies in the expertise of its people. On complex projects — from industrial redevelopments to stadium construction — it’s project managers who bring together teams, logistics, and precision planning to ensure delivery at the highest standard.

We sat down with Emre Aksu, Project Manager at Stellar Construction UK, to talk about his career journey, the highlights that shaped his approach, and his experience leading large-scale works such as his time as Pre-Cast Manager on a major stadium project. His perspective reflects not only his personal dedication but also the depth of knowledge that underpins the way we deliver projects across the UK.

A Career Built Across Borders

After graduating in Civil Engineering from the Middle East Technical University in 2005, Emre began his career in Qatar, working on major infrastructure and medical facility projects before moving into the precast construction sector. It was here that he first became involved with stadium builds, overseeing the production and assembly of tribune elements for the Galatasaray Stadium and Fenerbahçe Sports Hall.

His most significant milestone came with the Beşiktaş Stadium project, where he took on responsibility as both Production Manager and Erection Supervisor. “Since I was actively involved in nearly all stages of the project — from tender through to production and on-site assembly — I consider the Beşiktaş Stadium to be one of the most important milestones in my career,” he explains. Coordinating the manufacture and installation of complex precast elements under tight deadlines honed his ability to manage logistics, programme constraints, and multi-disciplinary teams — skills that remain central to his approach today.

Following his work in the precast sector, Emre went on to deliver large-scale industrial facilities across Turkey and the Middle East, ranging from adhesive technology plants to precision tube production facilities. Each project added to his understanding of how to bring together diverse stakeholders and align them around shared objectives.

Leading at Shotton Paper Mill

Today, as Project Manager at Stellar Construction UK, Emre is applying that experience to the redevelopment of the Shotton Paper Mill. His focus is on building the right teams and ensuring that both colleagues and subcontractors are guided effectively to deliver on time, on budget, and in line with client expectations.

“In project management, bringing together the right colleagues and subcontractors is critical. Customer satisfaction depends on our ability to complete projects on schedule and within budget while meeting every requirement. As the main contractor, we act as a bridge between client, consultants, and subcontractors — organising and coordinating all parties to achieve success.”

Looking Ahead: Opportunities in Stadium Construction

For Emre, what excites him most about his role at Stellar Construction UK is the opportunity to deliver technically demanding projects where coordination, precision, and programme management are key.

“With my background in stadium and industrial facility construction, I find these challenges both familiar and motivating. Looking ahead, I see major opportunities in sectors like stadium construction — particularly in the UK and Europe — where there is increasing demand for modern, multi-purpose, and sustainable venues.”

From the challenges of stadium logistics to the coordination of large-scale industrial redevelopments like Shotton Paper Mill, Emre’s career demonstrates the value of proven experience in complex construction. For Ant Yapi and Stellar Construction UK, it’s this blend of personal expertise and company-wide capability that ensures we deliver as a trusted main contractor for developers, consultants, and clients seeking confidence on high-profile projects.

As we continue to expand our portfolio in the UK — including heritage works, residential schemes, and opportunities in stadium construction — we remain focused on what defines us: dependable programme management, seamless collaboration, and the ability to take on even the most challenging builds.