UK: ANH Refractories Europe has hired Stefan Frank, a senior engineer with more than 20 years' experience, to drive export sales across Europe.

The senior refractory engineer has joined the Wirral based firm to bolster expertise in the cement sector. He has been charged with kickstarting a new campaign to increase ANH's profile and drive sales in emerging cement markets in countries including Turkey, Ukraine and Italy.

Frank holds more than 20 years' experience in the refractory industry. This has included roles at HeidelbergCement Group's Technology Center in Leimen, Baden-Württemberg, in Germany, and extensive work in the rotary kiln field.

ANH Refractories Europe managing director Peter Rooney said, " The European cement market has been a solid area for sales in the last 12 months and we believe Stefan has the knowledge and skills to build on this."

The American owned firm, which has a US turnover of US$550m, manufactures materials used in linings for furnaces, kilns and incinerators operating at high temperatures. It delivers refractory solutions, services and products to many industries including aluminium, petrochemical, power, incineration, mineral and glass.

Qatar: The Qatari Investors Group has appointed Faisal Abdulla al-Mana as the managing director of its subsidiary, Al Khalij Cement Company. Al-Mana was elected as member of the board of directors of the group in 2011. He has also been the vice chairman of Redco Construction Company since 2004.

It is hoped that his appointment will bring about further progress and prosperity, enhancing confidence and further development within the cement company. He brings a wealth of experience in the sector, which plays an important role Qatar's economic development, according to an Al Khalij spokesman.

Qatari Investors Group chairman Abdulla bin Nasser al-Misnad expressed optimism and confidence in al-Mana's abilities and visions, as his performance as one of the members of the board of directors of the Qatari Investors Group had been 'outstanding'.

Sweden: Åke Erikssson is the newly appointed manager of the Höganäs Bjuf Asia Pacific operation, shown here (left) together with the managing director Erik Olsen.

Höganäs Bjuf Asia Pacific provide services to the cement producers in the Asia Pacific region and will in the future also start with installation services.

Colombia: Cementos Argos has announced the appointment of four new vice-presidents following of internal reorganisation. Following the promotions Jorge Mario Velasquez, president of Argos, commented that the moves had met the right balance of youth and experience.

Juan Luis Munera, a commercial law attorney with seven years service with Argos, has been appointed to vice president for legal and sustainability. Carlos Horacio Yusty, an engineer specialising in industrial management systems with 16 years service with Argos, has been appointed to vice president of finance. Mauricio Ossa, a business manager with 15 years service with Argos, has been appointed regional vice president of the company's Caribbean operation. Tomas Restrepo, currently vice president of innovation with five years service with Argos, will serve as regional vice president of Argos' Colombian units.