What does a day in the life of a Country Manager look like?

As Country Manager for Global Maritime in Azerbaijan, I look after our local operations, client relationships and coordination of technical work. My day can involve anything from discussing a new scope with a client and preparing proposals to arranging surveyors, following up on reports and dealing with urgent operational requests.

What inspired you to pursue a career within the maritime and offshore industry?

What attracted me to this industry was the combination of technical work, operations and people. It is an international and fast-moving environment where you are always learning and where the work we do has a real impact on safety and operations.

Can you walk us through your career path to date?

I joined Global Maritime in June 2013 and have been with the company ever since. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to learn, take on greater responsibility, and develop alongside the growth of the business in Azerbaijan.

Last week marked Oil and Gas Workers’ Day in Azerbaijan. What does this occasion mean to you and the wider industry?

Last week marked Oil and Gas Workers’ Day in Azerbaijan, providing an opportunity to recognise the dedication, professionalism and expertise of the people who keep the industry moving forward every day. Behind every successful operation are teams working around the clock to maintain high standards of safety, quality, efficiency and compliance.

It is also a chance to reflect on the important role the industry continues to play across the region. Having worked alongside clients, colleagues and industry partners throughout my career, I have seen first-hand the commitment and collaboration required to deliver safe and successful operations.

At Global Maritime, we are proud of our long-standing presence in Azerbaijan and the strong relationships we have built over more than 25 years. Supporting our clients with trusted marine and offshore expertise remains a key focus, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the industry’s success in the years ahead.

What’s your favourite thing about being part of the Global Maritime team, beyond the day-to-day work?

For me, it is definitely the people and the experience within the company. Wherever you are, you can reach out to colleagues in other offices and know that there is always someone with the right knowledge and experience to support you.

What’s something exciting you’re currently working on?

We are currently working on several inspection, marine assurance and technical support opportunities in the Caspian region. I also enjoy developing new business and looking for new areas where Global Maritime can support our clients.

What standout projects have you worked on, and how have they helped shape your career journey?

I have worked on a variety of challenging marine and offshore projects where close coordination between clients, surveyors and technical teams was critical to success. These experiences have reinforced the importance of thorough planning, effective communication and the ability to remain calm and adaptable when dealing with unexpected challenges.

If you could change one thing about our industry, what would it be, and how does Global Maritime play a role in shaping that future?

I would like to see even stronger cooperation between technical expertise and day-to-day operational decision-making. Global Maritime brings both practical experience and specialist knowledge, which helps clients find solutions that are safe but also realistic for their operations.

In your opinion, what’s the key challenge facing the maritime and offshore sector across the Caspian Region right now, and how do GM’s capabilities help overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with constant change while maintaining high safety and technical standards. Global Maritime has a strong mix of experienced people, technical specialists and practical industry knowledge, which helps clients manage these challenges effectively.

How are the trends we’re seeing right now affecting your role and the sector as a whole?

The industry is evolving quickly, and clients increasingly required faster responses, stronger technical support and efficient, practical solutions. For me, that means staying flexible, understanding the specific challenges and requirements our clients face, and ensuring we provide the right expertise and support when it is needed most.

What’s one trend in the offshore world right now that excites you the most?

What interests me most is how quickly the offshore industry continues to develop and adapt. New technology, changing ways of working and higher expectations around efficiency and safety are making the industry more interesting and creating new opportunities.

What advice would you give to someone entering the maritime or offshore industry today?

My advice would be to stay open to learning and make the most of the knowledge and experience around you. Technical skills are important, but success in our industry also depends on being dependable, communicating clearly, and building strong relationships by understanding what clients truly need.

If you could describe your role in three words, what would they be?

Dynamic. Responsible. Solution-focused.

If you could describe Global Maritime in three words, what would they be?

Experienced. Professional. Collaborative.

What does life look like for you outside of Global Maritime?

Outside work, I like to switch off, spend time with people close to me and enjoy a change of environment. It helps me recharge and come back to work with fresh energy and a clear mind.