Engineering giant GE has named Lorenzo Simonelli as the new head of its oil and gas operations.
Simonelli, who had been president and chief executive of the company’s transporation arm since 2008, will now take over a similar role at the head of GE Oil and Gas.
He replaces Dan Heintzelman, who has been named vice chairman of GE.
Italian born Simonelli, 40, is a Cardiff University graduate and oversaw the expansion of the transporation arm to a $5.6billion business employing 13,000 people.
“Lorenzo transformed GE Transporation from a North American ‘rail’ business to a global transporation equipment and solutions provider,” said GE chairman Jeff Immelt.
“His passion for technology, his global mindset and customer focus will help GE Oil and Gas continue to grow.”
GE’s UK operations employ more than 2,000 people, including a significant presence in Aberdeen.