Martin Lees, vice president for business development has been successfully providing solutions for the company's growing client base for the past two years. He has more than twenty years' experience with learning and development and HSE gained from blue-chip oil companies across the Middle East.

Industry stalwart Mary Lou Marinda joins the Middle East team as business-support executive, following six years' working in the United Arab Emirates with companies including Gulf Industrial Services, Denholm Yam, and Hansa Flex Hydraulics Middle East.

Mary Lou is joined by Raju Venlcat as business development manager. He has more than ten years' experience in the learning sector in senior sales roles across the UAE and Asia Pacific with oil and gas and corporate clients. Atlas is currently recruiting for a vice president to lead the newly established Middle East team.

These appointments follow a re-organisation of the company structure and will bring the client service and operational team in Abu Dhabi to four, increasing the focus on customer service, new product development, and account management. The branch plans to generate substantial growth for the company in the Middle East over the forthcoming years, having the objective to double income in the next twelve months.

Atlas has experienced rapid growth in its business following private-equity investment from HG Capital PLC in 2007. Revenue in the last year has increased by over twenty percent, with correspondingly strong profit growth and further sales expansion expected in 2011 as the company moves into more international regions and market sectors.

Martin Lees, vice president for business development in the Middle East says, "We have been working with the oil and gas sector in the Middle East for more than twelve years, and with our ever-expanding product portfolio and increased customer interest, it was evident that we had a great opportunity to expand our team to continue to provide the same high level of service and learning solutions across this extensive region."

"Our clients tell us that the breadth of our generic portfolio, coupled with our flexibility to develop bespoke courses that address their specific issues unique to each region, are key for them choosing Atlas as their preferred training provider. Through partnerships with industry bodies like OPITO and formal qualifications including BTEC, we are helping companies to effectively meet their competency and compliance requirements."