BP Sharjah appoints national as general manager

The move comes shortly after the number of UAE Nationals working for BP Sharjah rose to over 50 per cent of the workforce, 56 Nationals compared to 50 other nationalities.

"Abdulkarim's appointment marks a milestone for BP. This is the first of our major regional businesses to be run by a national employee", said Dr Michael Daly, President of BP Middle East and Pakistan. "BP has a global policy of equal opportunity employment and will always support Nationals wherever and whenever possible. Since David O'Connor took the Sharjah Leadership Role two years ago, he has been working to this outcome. Having known Abdulkarim throughout this period I am delighted, both for their success in the transition and personally to have Abdulkarim on my Regional Leadership Team," Daly added.

Al Mazmi originally joined BP Sharjah in 1998 in the position of Health, Safety and Environment manager and was promoted to deputy general manger in July 2002. In his new role he will have overall responsibility for BP Sharjah's interests in the emirate, which it operates as joint ventures with the Sharjah government.

"My career with BP has been very rewarding and I am delighted and honoured to be given this responsibility," said Al Mazmi. "BP is a progressive company in so many ways, technologically, managerially and also in its commitment to the communities in which it operates. The company's training and career development strategies for Nationals are second to none."

Prior to joining BP, Al Mazmi enjoyed a 17-year career with Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Ltd (Gasco) commencing as a graduate trainee engineer in 1981. He achieved various promotions up to the position of plant manager.

Born in Sharjah, Al Mazmi graduated with a BSc in Science from UAE University in Al Ain in 1981. He is married and has six children.