UK-based BAE Systems has appointed Ian Lane as general manager of BAE Systems Oman, based in Muscat.

Lane was previously the vice president of offset and industrialisation, a post he held since joining BAE Systems in 2011. He succeeds Matthew Foster, who moved to the UK Defence Solutions Centre in the UK, said a statement from the company.

With 23 years’ experience in aerospace, defence and security, Lane brings a unique blend of expertise and vision to the role where he will be responsible for enhancing existing local relationships and establishing new strategic partnerships in the sultanate, both of which provide BAE Systems with heightened local expertise enabling delivery of solutions tailored to Omani requirements.

Additionally, he will guide BAE Systems Oman’s growing efforts in providing support services to other BAE Systems entities delivering contracts in the sultanate.

In addition to his global experience, Lane has been involved in a number of significant Partnerships for Development (PFD) programmes in Oman, which included developing comprehensive training programmes in conjunction with a number of Omani Ministries, it said.    

Guy Griffiths, group managing director - international, BAE Systems, said: “Lane will bring robust benefits to our operations in Oman and we welcome him back to the country in his new role.”

“Our company has had a strong relationship with Oman for more than 40 years so it’s a very important market for us. Having someone of Lane’s experience heading our office in Muscat will ensure we continue to have a good relationship with the Omani customer, further strengthening our ties with the sultanate,” he added.

Commenting on his appointment, Lane said: “I look forward to working with the Omani Government and all of our Omani partners and stakeholders.”

“The sultanate is one of our most important partners in the region and we’re committed to developing programmes and solutions tailored to meeting their needs as well as developing Omani skills and talent,” he said.

“Oman is working to develop a national workforce powered by Stem education, putting engineering, aerospace and innovation at the heart of building a sustainable future. We continue to develop initiatives to support this national agenda and our education and industrial programmes will provide the Omani people with the skills to help achieve this goal,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service