Mantle8, a natural hydrogen exploration company, has appointed Jean-Valery Garcia as Regional Director for the Middle East and opened its regional headquarters in Dubai, UAE.

The move reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the region, where interest in natural hydrogen is growing amid efforts to diversify energy sources.

Mantle8 cited the Middle East’s favourable geology and institutional support as key factors behind its expansion.

The company recently raised €31 million ($36 million) in Series A funding to accelerate global growth, with the Middle East becoming its first major expansion beyond Europe.

Emmanuel Masini, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mantle8, said: "Expanding into the Middle East is a significant step for Mantle8. Establishing a permanent presence in the UAE, with a dedicated office and Jean-Valery leading commercial and operations activities on the ground, reflects the scale of the opportunity we see in the region. Jean-Valery's industrial background and his deep networks across the Middle East make him the right person to drive our programme forward."

Jean-Valery Garcia, Regional Director, Middle East at Mantle8, said: "Natural hydrogen exploration is one of the most compelling frontiers in the energy sector today. When I saw the technology Mantle8 had built and the alignment with natural hydrogen initiatives in the Middle East, I knew this was the right opportunity. I'm looking forward to building the team and partnerships on the ground here to turn that opportunity into a leading position for Mantle8 in the region." -OGN/TradeArabia News Service