Aberdeen firm Offshore Container Holdings (OCHL) has announced the appointment of a new commercial director.
Craig Russell, 46, who has more than 25 years industry experience, has joined the company from one of its direct competitors, HB Rentals in Aberdeen, where he was regional sales and marketing director for two years.
Previously, he was commercial director at Duffy and McGovern Accommodation Services, in Aberdeen, and during his five years with the company saw its rental fleet increase threefold and its worldwide network extend to 18 countries.
Mr Russell will oversee all commercial activities at OCHL, formed last year to supply specialist cabins and containers to the offshore oil and gas industry, and will also play a major role in growing its overseas presence, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico and south-east Asia.
Chief executive John Heiton said: “Craig’s instrumental role in turning Duffy and McGovern from a local firm into a major global player is clear evidence of his successful track record.”
The OCHL group was formed by private-equity investors Lansdowne Capital and Claver Capital as a vehicle to develop a leading worldwide rental business, focused on the needs of topside activities in the oil and gas service sector.
Its initial moves included snapping up two specialist offshore container rental and sales companies – Containental Offshore in Aberdeen, and London-based Offshore Containers – for a combined price of about £10million.
In June this year a further two deals were completed to acquire Aberdeen businesses Vertec Engineering and the hire division of LabTech Systems from Granite City-based Sovereign Oilfield Services for almost £5.5million.
The two firms specialise in the design and build, rental and service of service cabins and control rooms for the oil and gas industry.