ABERDEEN-based specialist oil and gas and marine services firm OEM Group has appointed a new global business development manager as it gears up for a significant period of growth both in the UK and internationally.

The firm created the position for industry veteran Jim George, above, to support ongoing operations in Europe and the Middle East. An Aberdeen Football Club goalkeeper in the 1970s, George has more than four decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, across a diverse portfolio of companies covering operators as well as global supply chain firms.

His career includes 13 years at Vetco Gray in various procurement roles, culminating in category manager for the eastern hemisphere; eight years in drilling waste management at Oil Tools Europe, and, most recently, as the UK supply chain manager at DOF Subsea.

Based at OEM Group’s Aberdeen headquarters, George will focus on all commercial matters as well as building and strengthening client relationships.

OEM Group managing director Barry Park said: “Jim has a strong track record and a deep knowledge of the oil and gas industry. We look forward to him becoming an integral part of our team and an invaluable asset to OEM Group as we enter our fifth year in business.”

George said: “It’s a truly exciting time to be joining the group and I look forward to being part of developing the company further.”