OPITO, the global, not-for-profit skills body for the energy industry, has appointed Hart Victor in the role of vice president of strategy for the Asia Pacific region. 

He had previously spent more than a decade with National Oilwell Varco as regional training manager for Asia where he supported the growth of the team from 50 to over 1,000 people, as well as establishing new safety training centres in the region.

Mr Victor, who will be based at the company’s office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will increase support to the region’s oil and gas sector through implementing OPITO standards and global qualifications, working alongside the established training provider network as well as building new links with industry stakeholders. 

He will also support the organisation as it extends its skills and workforce development remit internationally.

Mr Victor said: 
"There is a regional trend of National Oil Companies taking their operations outside of their own waters into the international arena, frequently in joint ventures or through contracts with International Oil Companies, which is creating a further need for global training and certification standards. We’re aiming to expand our uptake in the Asia Pacific region and will be working with Petronas on a systems project over the coming months.” 

CNOOC, the largest producer of oil and natural gas in China, adopted OPITO safety standards last year and more than 1,000 employees will be certified throughout 2019.

Mr Victor added: 
"China is the second highest consumer of oil and gas and is also a large net importer. There is a desire to improve competency within the workforce and we are having a lot of positive dialogue about how we can help make this happen.”

Mark Cullens, Director of Strategic Development commented: 
"Hart brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering tangible results in the Asia Pacific region. Already, we are engaging positively with various operators in the area around the uptake of our standards and global qualifications, and we look forward to Hart continuing this strategically important work.”

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