Harkand: New general manager for Africa

Harkand, a global inspection, repair, maintenance (IRM) and light construction company, has appointed Doug Fieldgate as General Manager for Africa. 

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

The company says it 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.

Harkand adds that Fieldgate 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.

Chief executive officer John Reed said: “Our strategic expansion into Africa will strengthen our ability to respond to the needs of our clients. Fieldgate’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.”