Pipeline engineering company STATS Group has appointed a regional director for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as it plans to expand.

Angus Bowie, formerly technical director, has moved from Aberdeen to Abu Dhabi for the role.

There he will oversee the opening of a new workshop and warehousing facility, as well as recruiting staff.

STATS Group recently won a 10-year contract with Qatargas.

Mr Bowie said: "Our objective is to elevate STATS from a regional company to a global operation.

"The Middle East offers huge opportunities to do that, and being based in Abu Dhabi I can work closely with our major clients and demonstrate our commitment to them and to the wider market."

MENA is predicted to contribute 30% of the company's forecast £20 million revenue in 2012.

It expects to invest £3.2 million over the next three years in expanding in the region.