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OW Bunker, one of the world’s largest suppliers and traders of marine fuels and lubricants, has today announced that Adrian Tolson [pictured] has been appointed to the new role of Regional Manager for the company’s North American operation.

Tolson joined OW Bunker in October 2012 to develop the physical division in North America; he will now head up both trading and physical operations.

"The move is part of the company's strategy to create strong leadership within its key global regions and to deliver controlled expansion and increase capacity within North America," the company said.

As part of the development, OW Bunker says it is also in the process of implementing a 'significant recruitment drive' to help facilitate its growth ambitions. The company has moved to new offices in Stamford, Connecticut, where its regional physical division is headquartered, and it also has a trading operation based in both Stamford and Houston.

"The North American market is facing real regional change over the next few years, in addition to other global economic and regulatory influences, which will have a significant impact on the dynamics of the local bunker market," said Tolson.

"However, with any change, also comes great opportunity. And we are confident that we can deliver rapid, yet controlled expansion, as we look to further develop our customer base and infrastructure within the region. Critically, our people are central to delivering this, and we are actively looking to recruit more staff to help support the expansion process."

The appointment of Adrian Tolson comes on the back of increased expansion within the United States, following the initial launch of OW Bunker’s trading operation in May 2012 and its physical division in October 2012.