Richard, since june 2001 Managing Director for DNV Benelux, UK and Ireland, has been appointed as the new Director of Operations (DOO), responsible for all services in Northern and Central America. Since June 2001 he was Managing Director for DNV Benelux, UK and Ireland. Tom Backelin (on the left) will be his successor. Tom Backelin is an experienced senior manager who has had a range of high positions within DNV and a lot of experience in this area from previous positions he fullfilled from London.