Belgian rotary operator NHV and its main shareholder Ardian have appointed Dominique Lafont as exec-utive chairman. He replaces outgoing chairman Pascal Colombani.

Lafont joined the board in 2015 as an independent member, and his appointment is intended to support NHV's plans for expansion in the European and African markets.

Just over a year ago, NHV unveiled a base in Aberdeen, UK, giving it a platform to service the oil and gas sector in the North Sea and significantly strengthening its increasing market share in Europe. Lafont has transportation and business development experience in Africa.

He says: “This is a great opportunity to participate in the next stage of growth for a company that has strong potential. I look forward to working alongside CEO Eric Van Hal, the management team and board, with the support of Ardian, in taking NHV forward.”

Van Hal adds: “I'm convinced that Dominique's appointment will strengthen our team and help us to realise our ambitions for the future. His extensive business experience and his intimate knowledge of Africa will be a valuable asset for us, and allow us to further bolster our presence both there and in Europe. At the same time, the board would like to express its deep gratitude towards Pascal for the significant contribution he has made to the development of the NHV Group during his tenure.”

In other news, NHV has been awarded an offshore contract by Ithaca Energy UK to provide helicopter services in support of its upcoming drilling project at the Harrier Well in Block 30/6, approximately 150 nm from Aberdeen. Operations are expected to start Q2 2017 with flights departing from NHV's base in Aberdeen using H175 helicopters.

Base manager Jamie John says: “The award of this contract and working with a new partner strengthens NHV's presence in Aberdeen. We look forward to the beginning of what we believe will be a long and successful partnership with Ithaca.”