Given that the Oil & Gas industry spans many regions of the world, Mark is heavily reliant on a connected and efficient global network. This is Mark’s story, which started 4 years ago in 2016…

“We had a very strong Oil & Gas Consulting team in Russia, however the client (who also had facilities in South Africa) requested resources from the South African firm be included on the new engagement as they had recent success on a similar project”.

“Before we reached out to our South African colleagues, I sent a quick note to Maria, the EMEA Oil & Gas Business Mobility Consultant.

I consider Maria to be an extended team member to all of the cross-border engagement proposals, as she is able to work with the proposal team on a number of important risk and commercial issues”.

“Maria contacted Danielle, the South African Oil and Gas Consulting Partner, to discuss the particulars of the project in more detail. Although Maria has extensive Mobility knowledge, she leverages a Network of Subject Matter Specialists on some very specific and complex issues.

For example, Agnes, the EMEA Corporate Tax Specialist advised Maria on the tax implications regarding the length of time and activity that South African firm staff could work for the firm in Russia. In the meantime Danielle identified Yolonda from her team to support us with the Petrovum proposal”.

“I was very excited when Danielle asked me to go to Russia to support the team in preparation of the Petrovum proposal.

Once I understood the requirements of my role I was prompted to visit the ‘myLife Portal’ and entered all of the details regarding my trip to Russia to understand the visa requirements, which was referred to the Legal team for review.

Jacob, an Immigration Consultant from Legal, explained to me step by step, what I needed to know and action before my visit to Russia”.

“During the few weeks whilst Yolanda was in Russia, Siergiej, the Russian Oil and Gas Consulting Partner, was working closely with Maria and the proposal team to understand the possible staffing options. This included consideration of the best combination of short and long term assignees, business travelers and local employees. Maria proposed a number of options including the cost and recovery rate”.

“Before Yolonda joined the Russian team for the next few years, we had a number of a detailed discussions between Maria, Danielle, Siergiej and I. Maria provided us all with an overview of the costs and return on investment of the assignment and other implications such as the benefit to Yolonda’s career.

Maria also provided us with coaching tips on providing Yolonda with support whilst she was on assignment in Russia”.

“When we finished the proposal I came back to South Africa. One week later I heard the great news from Danielle that we had won!

Danielle and I agreed that I would be a good addition to the team. So… the decision was made: I was moving to Russia with my family for the next two years to work on the Petrovum engagement!”

“I was very excited about my new role, but I still had a lot of questions regarding my move. At first I was not entirely 100% sure whether it was the right step for my family.

I really appreciated the discussions I had with Andrei before my move to Russia. He explained to me in detail, what the assignment meant for me and my family”.

“Prior to moving to Russia, my case was handed over to Andrei, my Mobility Management Service Consultant. His role was to support me in my relocation, initially developing a cost projection and providing some important assignment information for me. Andrei was able to talk me through my package questions and how this related back to policy”.

“After Danielle and Siergiej approved my assignment, I started my relocation preparations. Andrei took care of almost everything! As you can imagine, I had lots of questions regarding my move, especially given that my husband and children were going with me. Andrei even had a call with my husband when I was busy. I am pleased to say that all of my concerns and questions were dealt with one by one. Andrei also arranged a local external vendor to provide all of the travel logistics. What a relief!”

“And finally the DAY arrived, my family and I relocated to Russia!

Everything in Moscow was prepared for us, including the search for our new home to live in as well as schools and a kindergarten for the children. What was also very reassuring was that Andrei was always available to help in case there were any problems”.

“Yolonda was, as always, brilliant. Petrovum’s management were extremely satisfied with the team’s delivery on the project, especially how we were able to organise ourselves as a network of firms. As a result, they asked me to consider whether we and Yolanda would be willing to expand our involvement to include all production facilities in Russia.”

“This was great news! I immediately called Maria to discuss our options in detail. Of course we had to wait for Yolonda’s decision, but in the meantime we started to work with Petrovum on the details of the new expanded contract.

Maria pointed out to me the major implications, including the main risks and the potential additional costs. Maria also presented alternative options given the pipeline of talent in the Network that would also benefit from the experience”.

“I was extremely happy to hear that Petrovum wanted me to stay on for the next phase of the project. I really did my best. That’s why I was very excited about extending my stay for another 18 months in Russia.

Once again I did not have to worry about anything. Andrei contacted me and together we discussed what we had to do to extend my assignment. I was in good hands!”

“The next 12 months flew by and it was soon six months before Yolonda’s assignment was due to end. Maria called me to discuss the repatriation plan. Then we agreed on how and when to discuss this with Yolonda and Siergiej.

The repatriation plan included all of the necessary information to ensure a smooth repatriation back to South Africa, including finding the right role for Yolonda”.

“Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, I had to start to think about our return to South Africa. After 3.5 years, the kids had grown up a lot and we had been away from friends and family so long that moving home was more daunting than relocating to Russia.

Andrei contacted me to start planning my repatriation and once again talked me through my package details.

Before we knew it, the day came, when we had to say goodbye to Russia and all our friends and colleagues. That was tough”.

“After my return to South Africa I was full of energy and excited about my new role. Who knew that one client project would lead to 3.5 years in Russia?

Andrei contacted me to start planning my repatriation and once again talked me through my package details.

I had such a great mobility experience, it has reinvigorated my passion for the firm, similar to when I first joined as a graduate”.