An oil and gas industry skills and workforce development body, OPITO, has appointed Graham Gall as new managing director to lead its international business.

Gall is a former managing director of Falck Safety Services in Brazil. Prior to joining Falck, he was also standards and approvals director for OPITO’s North Sea business.

Based in Dubai, he takes over from Colin Griffiths who stood down in July last year and will lead OPITO International’s drive for the adoption of common global standards in key energy markets around the world.

OPITO Group CEO, David Doig, said: “OPITO’s business is driven by demand for quality assured common industry standards from globally operating employers. Across all operating regions we continue to see a move to mandated OPITO standards environments, driven by policy changes in NOCs and IOCs.

“Forecast growth in standards for 2016 is a reflection of the maturity of parts of our operating regions, particularly in Asia and embryonic growth in West Africa. Graham’s strategic and operational insight, drive and determination will further enhance the International management team and support the group’s drive to deliver new workforce development projects across these regions and the Middle East.”

Commenting on his appointment, Gall, said: “OPITO is a respected global organisation built on the principal value of ensuring that people working in potentially hazardous environments have the competency, capability and capacity to work and behave safely with confidence in their daily lives.

“OPITO standards are recognised globally within industry to engage and partner the foundation of safety and security within their workforces. I look forward to working with the organisation to influence this trust and commitment within international industry leaders to develop a global culture where the skills and safety of people in our industry are the focus of future.”