3t, a leading provider of training services and learning technology solutions for safety-critical industries, has appointed Douglas Stewart as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Rachid Lakhdar as Managing Director of its MENA region training operations.
The appointments come as 3t accelerates its next phase of growth, building on its established position in energy sector training while expanding its footprint across adjacent sectors - including power, utilities and infrastructure - and new international markets.
Douglas Stewart joins 3t as Group CFO, bringing extensive financial leadership experience across the global energy sector, with senior roles previously held in the Middle East and U.S. at leading drilling and oilfield services businesses including Shelf Drilling, Vantage Drilling International and Stallion Oilfield Holdings.
Most recently, at Shelf Drilling, Stewart served as CFO from July 2024 until May 2026. During his tenure, Shelf Drilling was sold in November 2025 to ADES, the leading provider of shallow water drilling services globally, with Stewart playing a key role in the transaction. He previously held the combined role of CFO and General Counsel at Vantage Drilling International and served as Executive Vice President at Stallion Oilfield Holdings, a U.S. onshore oilfield services provider, giving him experience spanning the financial, legal, investor relations and capital raising dimensions of complex, internationally operating energy businesses.
Douglas Stewart, Group CFO of 3t
His sector knowledge, commercial experience and international perspective will be valuable as 3t continues to strengthen its global platform and execute its next phase of growth.
“3t has built an impressive platform, with an enviable market position in safety-critical training with strong opportunities for further international and sector growth. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on that foundation and support the business through its next stage of development,” said Douglas Stewart, Group CFO of 3t.
Rachid Lakhdar has been appointed Managing Director of 3t’s training operations in the MENA region, bringing extensive leadership and transformation experience across the energy sector.
He has held senior roles with Schlumberger, where he worked across transformational business and operational initiatives, and most recently with Arabian Drilling, giving him strong experience of the Middle East energy market and the region’s evolving workforce and skills requirements.
Based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Lakhdar will lead the region, building on 3t’s growing presence across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.
Rachid Lakhdar
“The MENA region is an important market for 3t, with growing demand for high-quality training and workforce development. I’m excited to join the business and work with our teams and customers to build on the strong foundations already in place,” said Rachid Lakhdar, Managing Director, MENA.
Frode Scott Nilsen, Group CEO of 3t, said the appointments strengthen the leadership team as the business scales into new markets.
“Douglas and Rachid bring highly relevant international experience and strong sector knowledge at an important point in 3t’s journey. We have built a strong platform across our core markets and are increasingly seeing opportunities in adjacent sectors, including power, utilities and infrastructure, where we see strong momentum. Strengthening our leadership team will help us execute that strategy while continuing to focus on delivering even greater value for our customers,” said Frode Scott Nilsen, Group CEO of 3t.
Stewart joined 3t as Group Chief Financial Officer on 7 September 2026, while Lakhdar took up his role as Managing Director, MENA, on 30 August.