Following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday 12th January that resulted in countless deaths and widespread destruction, Kentz is eager to support and help the victims, families and survivors. We have set up a Kentz Group Haiti Disaster Relief Fund to allow our employees the opportunity to contribute to the redevelopment of Haiti.

We are requesting contributions from all staff and in turn each Kentz office will match all funds raised by the employees. A special bank account has been set up in Ireland and the account details have been distributed to Country Finance Managers/Controllers.

Kentz will assist in the rebuilding and redevelopment of Haiti

While the effort is intended to be a voluntary contribution, we would suggest, for ease of collection, that a donation of 5% of employees’ monthly salary from the January or February payroll be set aside. Authorisation forms are available from your local subsidiary/site office and should be completed and sent to your local contact from the list below. Employees who would like to change the amount of their donation should indicate this on the authorisation form.

On Tuesday 15th December 2009 Kentz staff in Qatar said goodbye to Cian Toomey, Procurement Manager, who is one of its longer serving employees.

Cian worked in Qatar for the past seven years and built a very strong and reliable team. Together with his team, he grew the procurement department tenfold and the department now has 96 people working in it.

Thankfully, however, Cian has not left Kentz – he has been appointed to the position of Procurement Manager for Kentz in Saudi Arabia. He has switched places with Keshav Kumar, the Procurement Manager for Kentz in Saudi Arabia, who has moved to Qatar to take up Cian’s previous role.

Whilst Qatar is sad to see Cian go, we would like to welcome Keshav into the Qatar office and we wish them both the best of luck in their new positions.

This year approximately 50 employees attended a luncheon at the Melbourne Hotel, Perth. Many of the ladies from both offices sported hats and cocktail dresses.

Kentz in Southern Africa recently hosted a cocktail reception to coincide with the Kentz Group Board of Directors’ meeting held at its Midrand office. Key clients and employees were invited to meet the Board at the function held at the Corkonian Bar.

Colin Wrafter, the Irish Ambassador to South Africa, his wife Aisling de Burca and Deputy Luke Feeney attended and were particularly happy to meet up with Brendan Lyons who is well known to Colin in ambassadorial circles.

Mick Cronin, one of Kentz South Africa’s past Managing Directors, was holidaying in South Africa at the time and was delighted to be invited along to the function to catch up with old colleagues and friends.

Hugh O’Donnell, Kentz’s Chief Executive Officer, welcomed guests and addressed the crowd. Waiters circulated amongst guests offering a delicious array of hot and cold snacks, while in the background a minstrel entertained.

A great time was had by all and the occasion provided a great opportunity for staff, clients and Board members to meet each other and to network.