Say hi to Drilling Systems’ Business Development Manager for the MENA region, Andreas Smith!
Having started his role as Business Development Manager in January 2022, Andreas has supported key clients and helped to raise awareness of the state-of-the-art simulator systems throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Andreas has a wealth of experience in the energy sector having grown up in Saudi Arabia and spent his career to date working in oil and gas.
> How long have you worked in the training industry?
Prior to working as a Business Development Manager for the MENA region at Drilling Systems, I was head of the Training and Development Department for a Drilling contractor, amongst other roles within Commercial, Localization, and Human Resources.
> What attracted you to join Drilling Systems?
I have been involved in the Oil and Gas industry in various capacities for some time now. Initially, Logistics and Transportation, Offshore EPCI and Drilling. This has given me a great insight into the personnel that are involved as well as their training and competency requirements.
Drilling Systems, whether focused on Drilling and WO, Intervention or Crane operations, has this at the core. These are elements that attracted me to Drilling Systems as the systems are focused on increasing the competencies of personnel in the field.
> In your role as Business Development Manager, where do you hope to see Drilling Systems grow within the MENA region in the next 3-5 years?
It’s extremely advantageous that Drilling Systems carries a reputable name in the MENA region for providing top-tier simulators for the industry.
I believe that our expansion in the region will pave the way for even more growth and foster deeper connections with our clients, regardless of their size. At Drilling Systems, we value the human element, and our team is dedicated to building genuine relationships based on trust and understanding fully the complex needs of each of our customers businesses.
> How have you utilised your previous experience in business development roles to help Drilling Systems achieve its targets?
More than just previous roles, I’ve spent the vast majority of my life in the region and always close to the industry. This definitely helps with finding opportunities as well as creating strong networks for open and real discussion, with the overall growth our industry at heart.
Many customers across the industry face the same problems, it is how we address them as a community which is important for everyone’s growth.
> What are your region’s key focuses?
There is a heavy focus on Intervention activities at the moment as this part of the industry is picking up activities.
Climate factors also play a part in how simulators mitigate carbon emissions, as when using simulators, you no longer require physical units to carry out training activities.
Our goal is to provide ground breaking solutions that tackle the challenges they face, both now and in the long run. By embracing the power of technology and prioritizing sustainability, we’re actively shaping a future that’s not only greener but also more efficient for the oil and gas industry right here in our region.
> What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
Sometimes you must spend a little, but in the end, you’ll save. This is very true in the Training industry. By investing in your people and workforces and providing them with the best tools to train, more competencies will mean less downtime where downtime is the enemy of progress.