Ashtead Technology announces new leader for Asia Pacific

Global subsea equipment solutions specialist, Ashtead Technology, has appointed a new regional director for Asia Pacific and announced the completion of the firm’s six-figure sum investment to double the size of its Singapore facility as part of its international growth strategy.

Based in the city-state, James Christie will spearhead the company’s plans for further growth and development in the region where the business has become a well-established name over the last 25 years.

The extensive upgrade to the company’s Loyang offshore base facility has seen the operation double to 2,500m². Utilising neighbouring space on the same site, it has been expanded to accommodate a wider range of electronic and mechanical equipment and test facilities to support clients based in the region and internationally.

Since the business was acquired by Buckthorn Partners and APICORP in April 2016, Ashtead Technology has grown significantly completing four acquisitions across multiple geographies and has seen its global equipment fleet grow to 20,000 assets, creating the industry’s leading independent provider of subsea survey and ROV equipment rental and project services.

Mr Christie brings 20 years’ subsea industry experience to his new position following a career that has seen him accumulate extensive experience of both offshore and shore based ROV and life of field operations. Joining from i-Tech 7, Subsea 7’s Life of field business unit, he has been Regional Director for the Asia Pacific region for the last three years.

With responsibility for leadership of Ashtead Technology’s Asia Pacific business, Mr Christie will drive forward the company’s growth goals as well as build on the firm’s reputation for delivering high quality, cost efficient engineering solutions.

Allan Pirie, Ashtead Technology, CEO, said: “Attracting someone of James’ calibre into the business is a great endorsement of our strategy and ambition. He has an excellent track record of working extensively offshore and with tier 1 contractors across the Asia Pacific region. As a result, he has an in-depth understanding of the operational challenges clients face and how best to support them.

“Having James on board as we celebrate 25 years in Singapore will significantly raise our capabilities in the Asia Pacific region. With James taking the helm and the completion of our new Singapore facility, we are well placed to continue to build on Ashtead Technology’s significant presence and legacy in the region and focus on expanding our footprint internationally.”

James Christie, Ashtead Technology Regional Director Asia Pacific, said: “Ashtead Technology has a well-deserved reputation in the marketplace as the leading global subsea equipment solutions specialist. The business has a deep pool of talent, a strong client base and the world’s largest fleet of assets and technologies. It’s an exciting time to be joining the company as it moves into this next growth phase.”