Fernando is GAC's BDM, O&G for Middle East

Ahead of next week’s Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC Group has announced the appointment of Shanaka Fernando as Regional Business Development Manager, Oil & Gas – Middle East.

The move is in line with GAC’s plans to strengthen its commitment to the upstream oil and gas industry in the Middle East region, where GAC has been a leader in the provision of shipping, logistics and marine services for nearly 60 years.

Fernando joined the GAC Group in 1994 and has since served as Business Manager in Sri Lanka, Qatar, Thailand and Bahrain covering the contract logistics (3PL), project logistics, break bulk, tankers, and offshore sectors. Most recently, he held the position of Regional Key Account Manager – MEA, in Bahrain, for various Oil & Gas exploration and survey companies in the region.

Fernando will act the key liaison point between GAC and new and existing customers in the Middle East’s upstream oil and gas industry. He is based at GAC’s regional headquarters in Dubai and reports directly to the Group Vice-President for the Middle East, Lars Bergstrom.

Bergstrom says: “In a challenging environment, GAC has made customer satisfaction, HSSE compliance, and business growth top priorities in serving its oil & gas customers. Fernando’s appointment as Regional Business Development Manager – MEA, further strengthens our team dedicated to this important sector, particularly in support of those involved in upstream drilling and subsea EPC operations.”