CGG announces  the creation of two new business lines, GeoSoftware and GeoConsulting, within its Geology, Geophysics & Reservoir (GGR) division:

• GeoSoftware is the worldwide leader in advanced seismic reservoir characterization technology. It brings together CGG's commercial software including Jason, Hampson-Russell and TerraSpark, along with the associated sales, marketing and product services, such as training, product support and product mentoring

• GeoConsulting is a full-spectrum Geological and Geophysical consulting services organization. In addition to CGG's Seismic Reservoir Characterization services supporting its Jason and Hampson-Russell technologies, GeoConsulting offers the company's unique line of Robertson geoscience consulting services and multi-client products including a full range of geological, petroleum engineering and economic disciplines. It also contains NPA Satellite Mapping and all global training services relating to GeoConsulting.

This move consolidates and aligns CGG's expertise in a way that best reflects its customers' needs to help them achieve their E&P goals.

More specifically, through GeoSoftware, CGG will further improve its products and services to provide customers with the best understanding of their reservoirs and deliver unsurpassed expertise and workflows for optimizing decision-making. Through GeoConsulting, the company will further enhance its geological and geophysical multi-client products and reports and expand its high-end consulting services across the E&P value chain.

By bringing together this best-in-class geoscience expertise, this new organization will generate valuable synergies in development roadmaps, technology innovation and multi-client products. CGG will be able to better invest in and expand these key areas of its business, creating new and truly integrated geoscience offerings that draw on the unique knowledge of over 800 CGG professionals working in over 20 key oil and gas centers around the world.

Sophie Zurquiyah, Senior Executive Vice President, Geology, Geophysics & Reservoir (GGR), CGG, said: "Robertson, Jason, Hampson-Russell, TerraSpark and NPA Satellite Mapping are all globally respected brands that underpin CGG's reputation for excellence. Now, by creating a unified software business in GeoSoftware and adding Seismic Reservoir Characterization services to our GeoConsulting business, we have taken the logical next-step in CGG's progression as a fully integrated Geoscience group. Not only does this new organization consolidate and extend our existing businesses, it strengthens CGG's leading position in the high-tech integrated geology & geophysics and reservoir characterization market."

Seatronics Inc., an Acteon company, is moving to a new, purpose-built facility in Houston to expand its rental, sales and service work for customers throughout North and Central America.

The new plant, at 1319 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Suite 150, contains service facilities for cable moulding, connector assembly production and injection polyurethane moulding; along with a state-of-the-art calibration laboratory, an electrical and electronic repair centre and capabilities for gyro calibrations, inertial navigation and Doppler velocity log special services. It will also have an acoustic test tank and a current meter test tank. The facility has 15,000 square feet of floor space, which provides scope for expansion in all departments.

Mark Teles, Seatronics vice president for the U.S., said, “This move is about expanding services and capabilities and establishing a base for increased rental, sales and engineering activities across the Americas. More storage and state-of-the art calibration laboratories, testing bays and cable moulding facilities will mean quicker and more efficient operations, which will benefit existing clients and provide an opportunity for us to broaden our client base. We will be better positioned to take on additional agencies, develop joint ventures and partnerships and promote and support new technologies in new markets.”

David Currie, managing director, Seatronics, said, “Seatronics Inc. has seen exponential business growth across the region and is building on that success. We already have the largest rental fleet of subsea electronics and, I believe, deliver the most professional service of any rental company in the Americas. We offer 24/7 technical support and training on electronic products. This new facility sends a clear message: Seatronics Inc. is growing fast and is ready to move into a larger business arena.”

A grand opening will be held for the new office on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014. Seatronics will be presented with a DNV plaque to mark the company’s new ISO certification.

Hoover Container Solutions (“Hoover”), a subsidiary of Hoover Group, Inc., has named Matt Matis as director of sales for the Gulf of Mexico region. Matis is based in Thibodeaux, La., and will work closely with Hoover’s facilities in Port Fourchon, New Iberia and Scott, La.    

Matis will lead Hoover’s Louisiana sales efforts with a focus on the offshore industry while managing several major customer accounts. Additionally, he will work closely with the Hoover and Dolphin Energy Equipment (“Dolphin”) teams to develop an integrated product and service offering to better support customers. Hoover acquired Dolphin, a leading offshore equipment provider, in October 2013.     

“As the Hoover-Dolphin integration continues, we are eager to add Matt’s knowledge, relationships and leadership to our sales team,”said Donald Young, Hoover’s chief executive officer. “His industry expertise will serve as a valuable asset as we continue our expansion into the offshore chemical tank and cargo carrying unit (CCU) market.”

Prior to joining Hoover, Matis worked for Swire Oilfield Services in Houma, La., for seven years where he most recently served as the Louisiana sales manager. Matis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in general studies and a minor in family and consumer science from Nicholls State University. 

Onsite accommodation specialist, HB Rentals, a Superior Energy Services company, has named Kristian Magar as director of health, safety and environment (HSE), announced Deidre Toups, HB Rentals president.

Based in Broussard, La., Magar’s responsibilities include strengthening, promoting and developing new processes and programs to foster a safety-focused culture throughout HB Rentals’ global operations.

In continuing with HB Rentals’ global focus, this role works closely with HB’s entire management team to ensure a commitment to, Work Safe, Live Safe and Protect the Environment, as HB Rentals supports its customers in remote site operations across the onshore and offshore remote living accommodations markets.

Magar, a certified safety professional (CSP), joins HB Rentals with prior experience in quality, operations and HSE, specifically within drilling and production systems at Cameron International. Recognized for his HSE expertise, Magar was also an adjunct professor at University of Louisiana – Lafayette (UL) and served as a platoon leader in the Louisiana Army National Guard.

“Kristian brings the necessary level of expertise and advocacy to enhance our HSE performance across our organization,” said Toups. “HB Rentals is investing toward building an HSE conscious culture in support of our global operations, and we truly believe that Kristian can propel our programs and initiatives to the next level.”

Magar received a Bachelor of Science in industrial technology and a Master of Science in engineering and technology management from UL. He also holds a doctorate in industrial engineering from the University of Houston.

Claxton Engineering Services Ltd, an Acteon company, is launching an online promotion in which participants can win a new iPad Air™. Entrants will be asked to correctly identify three Claxton products or services through multiple choice questions. Anyone who works in the offshore industry is welcome to enter, and the products and terms featured in the questions will be recognisable to those working in jack up drilling, decommissioning and structural asset life extension. The competition will be open for entries until the end of April, 2014. Those wishing to participate can enter at www.claxtonengineering.com/ipad. The winner will be drawn at random from correct entries on 30 April, 2014 and notified via email.

No cash alternative is offered and no purchase is necessary. The competition is not open to Claxton Engineering Services Ltd or Acteon Group Ltd employees or their relatives.

PROMOTION:         Claxton Engineering Services Ltd iPad Air™ competition

CLOSING DATE:    Wednesday, 30 April, 2014

TO ENTER:              Visit www.claxtonengineering.com/ipad

About Claxton Engineering Services Ltd:

Claxton, an Acteon company, is the leading supplier of engineering and services for shallow water, jack up depth markets. The company draws on more than two decades of industry experience to provide services for well systems, structures and pipelines across the lifetime of the field – from pre-drilling to drilling, production and decommissioning. Claxton provides first-class tailored engineering and holds a large “on-call” rental inventory. Claxton’s responsive service, alongside numerous field-proven innovations, has established the company an enviable reputation. For more information, please visit www.claxtonengineering.com.

National private equity firm Lariat Partners has announced the formation of Ecoserv. By merging Houston-based Newpark Environmental Services, LLC (NES), the region's leader in offshore waste disposal, with Offshore Cleaning Systems, LLC (OCS), the Gulf of Mexico's leader in offshore cleaning services, Ecoserv will become a one-of-a-kind, integrated, turnkey environmental cleaning and waste disposal services provider.

Kenny DesOrmeaux, founder and CEO of Abbeville, LA based OCS, will become CEO of Ecoserv, which will be headquartered in Lafayette, LA and operate out of fourteen (14) locations throughout the Gulf Coast and Permian Basin of West Texas. "Ecoserv uses applied science to provide the safest and most environmentally friendly way of managing oilfield refuse. By combining the efforts of these two industry innovators, we have the scale, breadth, and capabilities to offer a streamlined and hyper-compliant waste disposal system," DesOrmeaux said. "We're pioneering a solution that includes EPA-approved processes but takes them a step further."

Lariat Managing Partner Kevin Mitchell says, "With its vertically integrated business model, Ecoserv will create the most compelling value proposition in the upstream oil and gas industry." Mitchell continued, "Lariat's strategy for all of its investments is to enhance value for our customers, and the formation of Ecoserv accomplishes that in every way."

A definitive purchase agreement has been signed for the merger between NES and OCS, with the full deal expected to be executed within thirty (30) days. The formation of Ecoserv is anticipated to create as many as 100 new jobs in Acadiana. "We believe the talented employees and management of both OCS and NES create a truly best-in-class company. We look forward to demonstrating to our customers the service and value of Ecoserv," DesOrmeaux said

Through water communication and positioning technology company, Nautronix, is pleased to announce a new appointment within the sales team.

Donald Thomson, VP Sales, Global Commercial Acoustics

Experienced Business Development Manager, Donald Thomson has been appointed as the company's VP Sales, Global Commercial Acoustics. He will assume direct responsibility for sales in the global marketplace of Nautronix' product lines; NASCoM Wireless Controls, NASDrill Vessels Systems and NASDive Diver Communications. Prior to joining Nautronix, Donald worked as a hydrographic surveyor before gaining his experience in sales and business development through previous positions at MDL, Nautronix, Schlumberger and latterly One Subsea.

Bob Barrett, Global Sales Manager – NASNet®

Bob Barrett who has been with Nautronix for several months will move into the role of Global Sales Manager for NASNet®. He will be responsible for sales and understanding of NASNet® positioning technology. Prior to joining Nautronix, Bob gained his experience in sales through previous positions within the aerospace and Oil & Gas industry.

Mark Patterson, CEO, comments, "Following a number of years of rapid growth we have recognised we need to increase our sales efforts within Nautronix. I am delighted to have Donald back at Nautronix and focussing his and Bob's efforts on the opportunities we have for our product lines. Their efforts will enable us to continue to grow and develop the business further."

Sonardyne International Ltd. is pleased to announce the promotion of Anthony Gleeson to the position of Vice President Sonardyne Asia Pte, based in Singapore.

Anthony joined Sonardyne in 2009 and brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from his previous sales and offshore engineer roles at Teledyne TSS and Seistech Offshore. During his time so far with Sonardyne, he has been highly influential in developing business opportunities in the region, particularly in China. As Sonardyne Asia's new regional head, Anthony will draw on this experience, his industry connections and knowledge of the subsea marketplace to develop strategies that will lead the company into the next stage of expansion.

Commenting on the appointment, John Ramsden, Sonardyne's Managing Director said, "We're delighted that Anthony has accepted this new position as head of our Asian operation. He is an integral part of our global commercial team, developing new business opportunities and supporting clients from our base in Singapore."

Anthony added, "I'm honored to have been selected for the role and am relishing the opportunity to guide Sonardyne Asia to the next level of success by expanding our profile and network within the region. The company has great technology and a dedicated team so I'm confident we can continue to grow and achieve our goals."

Artificial Lift Company has moved its headquarters to Houston from Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom, Artificial Lift President and Chief Executive Officer David Malone announced.

Situated in the Westchase District near the Energy Corridor, the company's offices and warehouse total 28,000 square feet with 40 employees based at the location. While supporting global operations, its headquarters consist of engineering, manufacturing, operations and general support services.

Artificial Lift Company employees recognize the company's first shipment from its new Houston headquarters.

"As clients recognize the huge cost savings and increased production rates achieved with our unique, rigless ESP deployment system, we find it necessary to increase our engineering, operations and manufacturing capabilities," said Malone. "Our new headquarters provides access to a strong supply base, the required technical expertise and the ability to work more closely with our customers in the expansion of this new technology. Artificial Lift has made a large investment in new testing capabilities and manufacturing capacity, and our presence in Houston positions us to address the growing demand for our systems."

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (NYSE: DO) today appointed Marc Edwards as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective March 3, 2014. Mr. Edwards succeeds Lawrence Dickerson, who announced his intent to retire in September 2013 after almost 30 years of continuous service to the Company.

"We are very pleased to have a proven leader with Marc's experience taking the helm at Diamond Offshore," said James S. Tisch, Chairman of the Diamond Offshore Board of Directors. "Marc's broad experience during his 30 year career at Halliburton will be invaluable for continuing Diamond Offshore's operational excellence and charting the Company's future strategic course."

"I am honored by the opportunity to lead Diamond Offshore," said Mr. Edwards. "Diamond has an unparalleled history of value creation and superior service. I look forward to working with Diamond's leadership team, employees and customers worldwide to expand on Diamond's proud legacy."

Prior to joining Diamond Offshore, Mr. Edwards spent almost his entire career at Halliburton Company, one of the world's largest and most diversified oil field services companies. Starting as a field engineer in Kuwait in 1984, his career took him across the globe with progressively greater management responsibilities; as a member of Halliburton's Executive Committee, he most recently served as Senior Vice President, responsible for the Completion and Production Division, the largest of Halliburton's two Divisions.

Willard Marine, Inc., a leading manufacturer of composite and aluminum boats for more than 50 years, has announced the appointment of Karen Jacquelin as director of marketing.

Jacquelin will be responsible for leading Willard Marine's product and brand marketing strategy, including all advertising, public relations and event marketing initiatives. She will be based out of the company's corporate offices in Anaheim, Calif.

"Karen Jacquelin's vast advertising and marketing experience across a wide range of brands including Gatorade, Callaway Golf, Ford, Lincoln, Toyota and the Irvine Company is extremely valuable to Willard Marine as we strive to elevate our brand image and develop new product offerings," said Ulrich Gottschling, president of Willard Marine. "Karen will leverage marketing analytics and research to help us develop the best products and services that appeal to new market segments and better serve our customers," Gottschling explained.

Jacquelin brings more than 20 years of integrated brand advertising, marketing, and business development experience to Willard Marine. She has held management positions at Young & Rubicam, Xperience Communications and the Irvine Company. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California and a California real estate license.

Aberdeen-based Veripos, the leading GNSS offshore positioning organization, has appointed Richard Turner, hitherto its Executive Vice-President - Commercial, as Vice-President - Asia Pacific Region with directorial responsibility also for its Singapore and Australian subsidiaries as part of continuing development of regional operations. He reports to Chief Operating Officer, Philip Milne.

Concurrently, Stephen Browne, until recently, Vice-President of Veripos' Americas Region in Houston, assumes the post of Executive Vice-President - Commercial reporting direct to Chief Executive Officer, Walter Steedman.

As part of the reorganization, Steve Williams, General Manager – Americas and Gilles Bernardini , General Manager – Brazil now both report direct to Philip Milne.

BMT Group Ltd, a leading international design, engineering and risk management consultancy, has announced that Mr Jan Kopernicki (photo) has joined the Board of Directors as a non-executive Director.

Jan has extensive experience in the shipping industry, with his career at Shell spanning over 40 years. As Head of Shipping until his retirement in 2011, his global team was responsible for Shell's portfolio of oil tanker, LPG and LNG vessels and for advising on safety and environmental aspects of shipping. He also served as a member of the Shell Trading Executive Committee and Group Executive Sponsor for shipyard procurement.

He was appointed CMG (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George) in the 2012 New Year's Honours list for his services to the safety and security of the international shipping community, recognising his role as President of the UK Chamber of Shipping, Chairmanship of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and contribution to combatting the threat of international piracy.

Jan is a non-executive Director of J & J Denholm Ltd, Nordic Tankers Holding AB, and the UK Chamber of Shipping. A Leicester University graduate and Fellow of the Society of Biology, he has been active in a number of roles, including Chairman of Maritime UK, Co-Chair of the UK Shipping Defence Advisory Committee, Trustee of the Lloyds Register Foundation and a member of the British Airways International Business Advisory Board. He is an Honorary Captain in the Royal Naval Reserve and President of the Shell Pensioners Association.

Commenting upon his appointment, Jan said: "I am very pleased to be joining such an exciting, innovative and international group, rooted as it is in scientific excellence. I look forward to supporting the continued success of the company and its people."

Dr Neil Cross, Chairman of BMT Group, says: "I am delighted to welcome Jan to the BMT Board. His breadth and depth of industry knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the company as we focus on continued growth and development."

Subsea installation contractor, Bibby Offshore, won the Company of the Year award at the 2014 Subsea Expo Awards last night (Wednesday 5 February 2014).

Celebrating the highest performing companies and individuals in the subsea energy sector, winners were announced at the awards ceremony held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

The Company of the Year Award recognises excellence in overall company performance in the subsea sector based on developments to date, as well as plans for future success and growth, both within the UK and internationally.

Bibby Offshore's chief executive Howard Woodcock said: "Being presented with this award is excellent recognition for the continued growth and achievements the company has experienced over the past 10 years.

"Some of our recent successes include the opening of a new division and international base in Houston as part of our continuing global growth strategy, and winning a contract with Centrica Energy worth up to £40million in the largest inspection, repair & maintenance (IRM) contract Centrica has ever awarded. Our Bibby Offshore colleagues in Singapore have also secured significant contracts with Brunei Shell Petroleum, further highlighting the impressive international successes the company is experiencing.

"We have also expanded our fleet considerably with the charter of the Olympic Ares construction support vessel, the Mermaid Endurer and the EDT Jane. We continue to expand our offshore vessel fleet to execute large and complex projects in the UKCS, Denmark and elsewhere in the North Sea, offering our clients greater choice and availability and to gain a leading position in the North Sea market.

"In spring last year the company moved into a new multi-million pound purpose HQ to accommodate our growing workforce. Further growth has resulted in additional expansion this year to develop a nearby workshop and warehouse in order to accommodate our ever increasing staff numbers and services.

"This award really highlights the level of hard work and dedication the Bibby Offshore team put in, and everyone is delighted with the outcome."

Seatronics, an Acteon company, has promoted Phil Middleton to deputy managing director based in the Aberdeen office. Middleton has 18 years' experience in the oil and gas industry and 13 years within the rental market. During this time, he has demonstrated expertise in engineering, operations, commercial and business development.

Middleton's qualifications include a BEng Hons degree in electronic and electrical engineering from Robert Gordon University. He started his career with Scientific Drilling Controls before moving into the survey industry, joining Hydroquip in 1997 where he worked for six years. Following a change of career from assistant workshop manager, he joined Seatronics in 2003 as an internal sales engineer, progressing through the ranks to his new position.

"Having participated in the growth of Seatronics over the past decade, I am delighted with my new appointment as deputy managing director and look forward to expanding Seatronics' footprint in the global rental market," said Middleton.

Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE: NBR) has announced plans to appoint Mr. William Restrepo asChief Financial Officer (CFO) following his upcoming departure from Pacific Drilling S.A. (NYSE: PACD).

"Nabors has been seeking to fill the CFO role with someone possessing financial management and operational skills and experience who can meaningfully add to our senior management team. We believe William Restrepo is that person. He brings nearly 30 years of financial and operational management experience in the global energy industry to Nabors. William has an extensive portfolio of proven domestic and international capabilities in corporate finance, financial accounting, internal audit, treasury, operations, and mergers and acquisitions, as well as planning and analysis. We are very pleased to have him join our executive leadership team," said Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Petrello.

Restrepo, 54, most recently served as CFO at Pacific Drilling. In this role, Restrepo provided leadership for Pacific's initial public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange and helped the company grow by raising $4.5 billion in bank debt, bonds and equity.

Restrepo also previously served as CFO at Seitel, Inc. and at Smith International until its acquisition by Schlumberger. Prior to that, Restrepo spent over 20 years with Schlumberger in various senior financial and operational positions, including operational responsibility for all product lines in the Continental Europe and the Arabian Gulf markets, as well as senior financial executive roles in Corporate Treasury and worldwide controller positions with international postings in Europe, South America and Asia.

Restrepo's employment is expected to begin on February 28, 2014.
Restrepo holds bachelor's degrees in economics and civil engineering as well as an MBA from Cornell University.