A change at the top for J. Ray McDermott's Middle East operation

In his new position, Aghili will provide coordinated strategy and oversight for all global operations, including regional and global marine operating activities.

"I'm pleased with the recent management change that will allow us greater opportunity to focus strategically on the numerous growth initiatives and challenges that the strong offshore market presents us over the next several years," said Bob Deason, J. Ray's Chief Executive Officer. "I am confident that Hafez's leadership abilities, coupled with his decades of industry and J. Ray experience, make him strongly suited for this position."

Hafez began his career in the oil and gas industry in Houston in 1975 when he joined Hudson Engineering Corporation; he subsequently joined J. Ray in the Middle East in 1991 as the Project Director. Prior to his promotion, Aghili served as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of J. Ray's Middle East and India operations.

He holds a bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin, a master's degree in business administration from Strathclyde University, and a doctorate in chemical engineering from Rice University.

Concurrent with Aghili's appointment, Stewart Mitchell was named the Vice President and General Manager of the Middle East and India operations, replacing Hafez from July 2007. Mitchell held a number of leadership positions during his over 15 year tenure at J. Ray, most recently as the General Manager for Qatar projects.

"J. Ray in the Middle East has experienced a phenomenal increase in project work over the last couple of years and the future seems very promising", said Hafez Aghili, Senior Vice President, Global Operations. "I'm confident that the company will continue to flourish under the leadership of Stewart Mitchell in line with our core values of safety, quality, productivity, and ethics, and commitment to serve our customers in the region."

Mitchell has served in progressive positions in field engineering, offshore operations, construction management, and project management, completing assignments in India, Saudi, Qatar, Dubai, and Houston.

He obtained his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brighton University, U.K. in 1989 and recently completed a company-sponsored executive education program at Thunderbird School of Global Management in the U.S.A.