Wood Group Intetech, a global leader in well integrity management for the oil and gas industry, has appointed Sami Halfawi as the new head of its Middle East operations.

Halfawi brings over 40 years industry experience to the group having held roles with both Adma Opco and Weatherford covering a wide range of disciplines, including both well integrity management and business development.
 
“Wood Group Intetech is at a critical growth point, with our unique approach to well integrity management winning contracts globally,” remarked Dr Liane Smith, the managing director and founder of Wood Group Intetech.

“The Middle East has long been a mainstay of the group’s business focus and Halfawi’s dual disciplines of business development and well integrity management will allow us to service more companies in this important region,” she stated.
 
As a fluent French, English, German and Arabic speaker, Halfawi also brings impressive linguistic skills to the position, enabling smooth client contact across the globe.
 
On his appointment, Halfawi said: “I first came into contact with Wood Group Intetech during my time at Weatherford. I was struck by the team’s specialised knowledge, client service focus and commitment to preventing well failures. I am delighted to be joining as the company continues its impressive growth curve.”
 
The appointment of a materials and corrosion expert has further strengthened the Middle East team and the recruitment drive in the region continues.  
 
Halfawi’s team will also bring on the first recruit from the company’s new graduate training programme, Abdallah Al Jabery.
 
Dr Smith said addressing the skills shortage in the oil and gas industry with proactive programmes such as the new graduate scheme, is vital to the sector’s future.

"We are delighted to bring Al Jabery on as an engineer. He joins following his Mechanical Engineering degree at The University of Manchester and stint as a Technical Engineer for Zakher Marine International. After completing a six month training programme at our Chester, UK headquarters he will join the team in the Middle East,” she added.
 
The expansion of the Dubai team follows a series of global contract wins and a move for the UK HQ team into new offices at the Thornton Science Park in Chester, former site of the Shell Innovation Centre.-TradeArabia News Service