HNZ Group Inc. announces the addition of Mr. Rick Burt, Vice President Offshore Operations, Business Development and Strategy, as it expands its focus on offshore oil and gas

MONTREAL, July 23, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - HNZ Group Inc. (TSX: HNZ.A, HNZ.B) (the "Corporation"), an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services, announces the addition of Mr. Rick Burt, Vice President Offshore Operations, Business Development and Strategy, as of July 1, 2014.

Rick adds considerable strength to the Corporation's international offshore oil and gas support capability. In his new role, Rick will be part of the HNZ Global team and will report to Keith Mullett, Executive Vice President (International). He will be based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Rick brings 35 years of important experience to the Corporation. He commenced his career as an offshore helicopter pilot on Canada's east coast and also worked in various international locations. He has held several international executive management positions in North America, South America and Asia Pacific for two major helicopter operators. Rick holds endorsements on a wide array of helicopter types and weight classes, including Sikorsky S-92, S-76 and S-61 and Airbus AS332 offshore aircraft. He has significant experience with many of the world's premier oil and gas companies, including Woodside, ExxonMobil, Total, Statoil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips and has worked in challenging offshore operating conditions, including the North Atlantic. Rick's experience with these companies and his understanding of customers' needs will significantly enhance the Corporation's growing capacity in this sector. The addition of Rick to the HNZ Global team, following the recent appointment to the Corporation's board of directors of Larry Murphy, a former exploration and production executive with Nexen Inc., further advances the Corporation's objective to significantly expand its offshore oil and gas footprint globally.

Rick has been an active participant in the helicopter industry and a keen advocate for the improvement of safety and quality. He was Chairman of the Offshore Committee of Helicopter Association International from 2001 to 2008 and has been an active contributor to other international safety organizations and initiatives. Rick recently completed his Masters of Business Administration at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia.  

ABOUT HNZ GROUP INC.

The Corporation is an international provider of helicopter transportation and related support services with operations in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Antarctica and Southeast Asia. The Corporation operates in excess of 130 helicopters in support of a range of multinational companies and government agencies, including onshore and offshore oil and gas, mineral exploration, military support, hydro and utilities, forest management, construction, air ambulance and search and rescue. In addition to charter services, the Corporation provides flight training and third-party repair and maintenance services. The Corporation is headquartered near Montreal, Canada and employs approximately 800 personnel from 35 locations around the world. The Corporation operates from fixed-base locations as well as from temporary locations, commonly referred to as "pool locations", and provides helicopters in a wide variety of climatic conditions and terrain across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Antarctica and Southeast Asia.

SOURCE: HNZ Group Inc.

HNZ Group Inc., Don Wall, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tel: [phone], Tel: [phone]