OREANDA-NEWS. June 14, 2013. A top official of Qatar Petroleum (QP) was recognized as an “HR Champion of Change” and QP also received an award for “Distinction in Learning and Development” at the 5th MENA HR Excellence Awards, which was recently held in Dubai as part of the 8th Annual Human Assets Expansion Summit MENA 2013.

Mr. Ahmad Ali Al-Mawlawi, QP Director of Administration, won the “HR Champion of Change Award,” following a competition with a group of HR leaders in the region. The award recognizes a non-HR executive for continuous development of the HR function, and Mr. Al-Mawlawi was cited for his active role in setting creative and effective strategies for human resources management.

Mr. Al-Mawlawi graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1988, and he joined QP that very same year. He assumed several positions and responsibilities until he became the corporation’s Manager of Engineering Business. In 2006, he received a Master’s Degree in Administration from Qatar University, and he has been serving as the Director of Administration of QP from 2009 up to the present.

“My transition from an engineering and project management work environment to administrative affairs was a big challenge. My aim was to combine both fields to set the best strategy that can develop performance and promote work efficiency,” said Mr. Al-Mawlawi in his acceptance speech.

“In proceeding with the administration change process, I had to face two factors: the first was establishing communication with the work team and clarifying the reasons and means for change. The second factor was leadership by example, which involves giving assurance of my faith in the change,” he added.

The MENA HR Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding achievements by individuals and organizations in the field of HR management in the MENA region. Held alongside the 8th Annual Human Assets Expansion Summit MENA 2013, which discussed the latest strategies and best HR practices, the awards had the following categories:

1. Employer of the Year

2. HR Champion of Change

3. HR Professional of the Year – Private and Public Sector

4. Distinction in Learning and Development

5. Distinction in Employee Engagement

QP was awarded the third position in the "Distinction in Learning and Development" category. The award was received, on behalf of QP, by Mrs. Fatima Mohammed Al-Ali, Assistant Manager for Vocational Training at QP’s Corporate Training Department. The award acknowledges the pioneering role of QP in providing training that is in line with the needs of the energy and industry sector and recognizes its full commitment in continuously developing its staff, thus preparing them for eventually playing prominent roles in this important sector. The award also highlights QP’s commitment to excellence in the field of education and professional development for its graduates and employees.