Fazelbhoy takes charge at Topaz

Announcing the appointment, Renaissance CEO Stephen Thomas said 'We have outstanding leaders and management teams throughout the group's marine and engineering businesses. Fazel has the knowledge, skill, experience and spirit of enterprise to lead and support them in fulfilling the company's growth ambitions'.

Since 2002 Fazelbhoy had been heading the group's ship repair business, NICO International.

Under his leadership, the business has grown from 300 to over 1700 personnel, with jobs being implemented in 42 countries and operating bases in four countries including Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

The combined sales revenue and profits of NICO International have shown a four fold increase over the past four years.

NICO International, was also the winner of the 2006 Seatrade Dubai International Maritime Award for Ship Building and Repair and last year won the first ever Dubai Maritime EHS Gold Award.

Commenting on his new position Fazelbhoy said, 'We have such a wealth of talent, energy and commitment throughout our group that it is a privilege for me to accept this challenge. Whilst we don't underestimate the scale of the challenges ahead, we have set ourselves high goals, and it is our intention to exceed the expectations of our customers, our shareholders and all those touched by our business'.

Prior to NICO International, Fazelbhoy had built up the oil & gas fabrication business, of Topaz subsidiary, Adyard in Abu Dhabi, heading up the offshore EPC contracting capability and setting up its marine unit.

A graduate of New York University, New York, USA, Fazelbhoy's early career started with Honeywell Inc. with assignments in the US, UK and Saudi Arabia.