Competentia has announced the appointment of Geir Egil Olsen as CEO of the group with effect from 22 September 2014.

Geir (49), a graduate of UIS in Stavanger, holds degrees in electrical engineering, business administration and petroleum technology. He has had an international career within the oil and gas services industry, predominantly with Schlumberger, having held operational, sales and management roles in Scandinavia, the UK and the Middle East.

"We are delighted to have Geir on board as we enter the next phase of growth for the company."

Commenting on the appointment, Competentia chairman John Smith said: "We are delighted to have Geir on board as we enter the next phase of growth for the company. The recent acquisition of Argonauta in the US and the establishment of the company in Canada are further steps in our strategy to build a network to support our customers, the international oil and gas operators, in the fulfillment of their projects globally. The balance sheet is strong and we have capacity for further organic growth and growth through acquisition.

"Geir will be charged with leading the development of that strategy. In particular, we will be looking to consolidate and grow our businesses in Norway and the UK, and to realise the potential of the relationships built by Argonauta with US-based IOCs".

Geir said: "Competentia has been through a rapid growth over the last few years, and I am honoured to have been chosen to lead the company. The opportunities for Competentia are unlimited, but we must maintain focus and continue to deliver to our clients’ satisfaction."