Sparrows Group has appointed Ali Hassan Al-Kharari as the company’s first Saudi Arabia General Manager in response to growing business demand in the Kingdom.

Al-Kharari brings more than 20 years’ oil and gas experience to Sparrows, most recently as commercial manager – special projects at McDermott International. He has also held several technical and senior roles at Schlumberger in the Middle East, including business development manager and regional proposal and estimating manager. In his new position, Al-Kharari will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of the global specialist equipment and integrated engineering services provider in the Kingdom. He will also further drive Sparrows’ global diversification into the onshore industrial sector with a key focus on petrochemical, mining, rail and food manufacturing markets.

Stewart Mitchell, CEO at Sparrows, said: "Ali Hassan Al-Kharari has an exceptional breadth of knowledge and network in the Saudi Arabian market and is a great addition to our growing team in the Kingdom.

Al-Kharari said: "The Kingdom is a highly active market where crane, machinery and rotating equipment inspection and maintenance services are in high demand to ensure operations remain uninterrupted, safe and efficient."