WesternZagros Resources has appointed Mary Benassi to the position of Vice President for human resources.
Benassi will report to the CEO and be responsible for WesternZagros’s overall Human Resources function. Specific focus will include the development of a strategy that builds human resource and organizational capacity to effectively and efficiently engage employees in business priorities both in Canada and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
“Mary’s appointment comes at a key time for WesternZagros. In conjunction with our expanded drilling programs, we have seen a significant increase in the number of personnel. Human Resources lie at the heart of our corporate and economic success,” said Simon Hatfield, WesternZagros Chief Executive Officer. “Mary has significant experience in our industry and a strong international profile. Her objective will be to define, develop and implement our HR policy in line with the Company’s strategic objectives. I wish her every success in this new position.”
Benassi’s extensive background encompasses more than 30 years of progressive human resource leadership roles in a number of oil and gas, power, mining, agriculture and retail businesses. Her most recent position was Director, Talent Management for Sherritt International. Prior to this role, she completed an expatriate assignment in Africa for Sherritt International, as Director of Human Resources, where her focus was developing a significant mine site and operation where she was instrumental in the recruitment and development of the human resources for that project.
Benassi is accredited as a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and holds a Business Marketing Diploma from Mohawk College, Hamilton, Ontario.