HNZ Group Inc., an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, announces the addition of Rick Burt, vice president Offshore Operations, Business Development and Strategy, as of July 1, 2014.
Burt adds considerable strength to the corporation’s international offshore oil and gas support capability. In his new role, Burt will be part of the HNZ Global team and will report to Keith Mullett, executive vice president (International). He will be based in Edmonton, Alta.
Burt brings 35 years of important experience to the corporation. He commenced his career as an offshore helicopter pilot on Canada’s east coast and also worked in various international locations. He has held several international executive management positions in North America, South America and Asia Pacific for two major helicopter operators. Burt holds endorsements on a wide array of helicopter types and weight classes, including Sikorsky S-92, S-76 and S-61 and Airbus AS332 offshore aircraft. He has significant experience with many of the world’s premier oil and gas companies, including Woodside, ExxonMobil, Total, Statoil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips and has worked in challenging offshore operating conditions, including the North Atlantic. Burt’s experience with these companies and his understanding of customers’ needs will significantly enhance the corporation’s growing capacity in this sector. The addition of Burt to the HNZ Global team, following the recent appointment to the corporation’s board of directors of Larry Murphy, a former exploration and production executive with Nexen Inc., further advances the corporation’s objective to significantly expand its offshore oil and gas footprint globally.
Burt has been an active participant in the helicopter industry and a keen advocate for the improvement of safety and quality. He was chairman of the Offshore Committee of Helicopter Association International from 2001 to 2008 and has been an active contributor to other international safety organizations and initiatives. Burt recently completed his Masters of Business Administration at Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C.
