Oman Air has announced the appointment of Rashid Al-Ghailani as its chief officer-human resources (HR). Al-Ghailani takes up his post with immediate effect and reports to Oman Air’s CEO Wayne Pearce.

Oman Air works to a robust series of human resources policies and Al Ghailani will focus on implementing the company’s strategies to sustain a healthy and transparent work environment, putting in place the necessary professional resources to achieve the company’s aims and working closely with the Ministry of Manpower to increase the employment of Omani nationals.

Pearce welcomed Al-Ghailani, saying: “We are pleased to welcome Rashid Al-Ghailani to Oman Air, where his extensive experience of corporate HR management will play an important part in helping Oman Air to fulfill its responsibilities as an effective and responsible employer. As the national airline of Oman, Oman Air is proud that around two-thirds of our work force comprises Omani nationals and, with Al-Ghailani’s vital input, we look forward to increasing that figure significantly.”

Al-Ghailani gained a Bachelor’s degree in political sciences from the US-based Denver University before being awarded a Masters degree and a PhD in Management by Hull University in the UK. He has extensive experience in the fields of management, corporate governance, communications and HR systems, gained in a career, which saw him serve as a diplomat working in three capitals, before moving to the Ministry of Civil Services, where he held several managerial posts.

In 2005, Al-Ghailani transferred to the private sector and joined a leading construction company with a turnover of $1 billion and more than 27,000 multi-national employees.

His role as vice president HR prepared the ground for his next role, in 2011, as GM corporate affairs at Takamul Investment. Al-Ghailani is also a director on the boards of several companies and has worked part-time as a lecturer.