Cambodia Investment Review
COVA Group has officially announced the appointment of Leila Rostom as Country Leader for Cambodia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s leadership development and ongoing regional expansion. The move places a spotlight on women in construction leadership, reinforcing COVA’s commitment to diversity and local talent development.
A Rising Leader in Cambodia’s Built Environment
Leila Rostom, who has been with COVA for several years across roles in Asia and Australia, steps into her new role with a vision of growth, empowerment, and sustainable impact.
“It is incredibly exciting, with a palpable energy about what we can achieve,” Rostom said in a statement shared on COVA’s official platform. “I am honoured and grateful to the mentors, colleagues, and clients who shaped this path.”
She added that her promotion is both a personal and professional affirmation — especially significant in an industry where women remain underrepresented in senior roles.
“Personally, it is a powerful reminder that, as a woman in this field, anything is possible with hard work,” Rostom said. “We need more voices at the table to lead with impact and contribute at a higher strategic level.”
Empowering Young Talent and Building Sustainable Excellence
Rostom outlined a clear ambition for COVA Cambodia: to become a recognised market leader driven by local talent and a culture of constant learning and innovation.
“My vision for COVA Cambodia is that of dynamic growth and enduring impact, with the young generation at its heart,” she explained. “We are committed to making COVA a place where everyone can thrive through upskilling, technology, and meaningful ownership.”
She emphasized a leadership style rooted in participation, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect — key attributes that define the Cambodian team’s working culture.
“We constantly discuss lessons learned across disciplines. It’s a supportive environment where the best solutions emerge from shared expertise,” Rostom noted.
Track Record of Results and People-First Leadership
Throughout her tenure at COVA, Rostom has focused on building a disciplined, quality-driven approach that aligns with the company’s integrated management system (IMS). She takes pride not only in delivering projects, but also in developing her team.
“When we complete complex projects with happy clients, it’s rewarding. But I’m equally proud when I see my team grow, take ownership of their development, and celebrate each other’s successes,” she shared.
One example she highlighted was when the team independently coordinated to meet a tight deadline — a moment she described as showcasing both professionalism and collective spirit.
Her leadership style? “Empowering, strategic, connected,” she said, quoting Simon Sinek: “A good leader is someone who takes a little more than their share of the blame and a little less than their share of the credit.”
A Broader Regional Strategy
COVA, known for its project management and consulting services across Asia and Australia, continues to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, with Cambodia identified as a key growth market. Rostom’s appointment is part of a broader effort to embed leadership roles within local teams and build long-term capacity in emerging economies.
The company’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth is consistent with broader trends across the region’s construction and infrastructure sectors, where there is increasing demand for digitally enabled, people-focused approaches.
More on the company’s regional developments and leadership insights can be found via COVA Group’s News and Insights.
Final Reflection: Growth Starts from Within
In a message to the wider COVA network, Rostom encouraged a mindset of internal transformation: “Change truly does start from within. Our attitude and mindset are the engine of our growth, our ability to adapt, and our capacity to innovate.”
Her promotion comes amid a wider industry push to elevate women in construction leadership — a trend gaining traction as companies respond to calls for more inclusive and forward-looking work environments.
To learn more about COVA Cambodia’s work and values, visit the official COVA Group website.
