Harkand’s Africa General Manager

Expanding global inspection, repair, maintenance (IRM) and light construction, Harkand has united its African presence under the leadership of Doug Fieldgate as Africa General Manager.

Doug has 23 years of experience in the African oil and gas market, primarily focused on West Africa – he will be based in the North America and Africa operations headquarters in Houston and will lead the company’s continued expansion into the region working closely with its consortium partners.

The requirements

The assignment of a general manager for Africa follows Harkand’s successes in the region including the recent contract award by Technip in Ghana providing survey services and the one year contract for a major oil and gas operator to deliver ROV, project management, engineering and technical support services in Nigeria.

The company is focused on continuing its growth in Africa to incorporate the complete Harkand solution for the clients in the region including diving, ROV, survey and inspection services as well as project management and engineering activities.

In order to achieve this rapid expansion whilst maintaining focus on delivery and safety, Doug will draw on his considerable in-region experience to create a cohesive offering for operators throughout the African oil and gas sector, building on the vast experience and knowledge base derived from Harkand’s existing centres of excellence in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea.

Harkand is committed to maintaining a robust local content position focused on skills transfer and training in any location it establishes a presence in Africa and is working closely with local, established organisations to ensure this goal is obtained. The company is dedicated to sharing knowledge, nurturing technology transference and indigenisation of the workforce in any location it establishes a presence in Africa – this will support the region’s ability to grow independently and add value to the gross domestic product (GDP) and social enrichment.

Comments on Harkand’s appointment

Chief Executive Officer John Reed said: “Our strategic expansion into Africa will strengthen our ability to respond to the needs of our clients. Doug’s in-depth knowledge of the region and our successful collaboration with our local partners will ensure we achieve this goal in the various countries with a coordinated resilience.”

Mathieu Guillemin, Non-Executive Director of Harkand and Managing Director at Oaktree Capital Management, added: “The expansion into Africa is another success in our overall strategy and we look forward to the continued progress. Financial strength is key for continuing to pursue the strategy and Oaktree stays committed to Harkand during the downturn in this cyclical market.”

Edited from source by Stephanie Roker

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/01102015/harkands-africa-general-manager/