Renaissance CEO awarded Order of the British Empire
Stephen R. Thomas, Renaissance Services CEO, has been given recognition for his work in Oman that has spanned over 22 years and countless responsibilities. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has graciously awarded Steve an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the UK New Year’s Honours List published on December 31, 2009. The OBE medal is awarded for a national order of merit and valuable service is the sole criteria for the award.
Stephen Thomas has been instrumental in the development and progress of Oman’s business and public community, as well as a fundamental leader in the direction and growth of Renaissance Services, for the past two decades. Steve joined the Tawoos Group as General Manager of TISCO in 1988 and was appointed CEO of Renaissance Services in 1998. He has also sat on the Boards of National Hospitality Institute SAOG, Renaissance Hospitality Services SAOG and Topaz Energy and Marine and Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL). He also helped found OPAL in 2001, Oman’s first society for oil and gas operators, that promotes Omanisation, quality, HSE and operational excellence in the industry. Similarly, Steve holds integrity and moral values in the highest regard, and has consistently championed Omanisation and education across industrial sectors. Beyond a long list of contributions to the business community, he is also involved actively in various community service including theatre and educational charity organizations.
Steve was quick to explain that the award was the result of years of support from colleagues and his family. “I feel very humbled rather than aggrandised by it. Lots of people, from my wife and family, my work colleagues, my friends, people from the commercial world through to OPAL and the theatre group I am part of have contributed to this honour. I hope that this honour is a positive reflection on our whole community and the Omani British relationship.” He also thanked Oman for presenting him opportunities worthy of recognition in the UK honours list, “I work for an Omani public company and the main body of my career has been in Oman, so thanks must go to Oman for the opportunities it has given me. I am very proud of Oman and thank it for what I have done in my commercial life and personal life. I am also very pleased that the UK honour system recognises people here. It happens every now and then, as a few people in Oman over the years have been honoured. It is great when it happens here in Oman.”
The OBE was created in 1917 during the First World War by King George V who saw a need for a new award of honour which could be widely awarded in recognition of distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organisations of all kinds. The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions, and the recipients may be British nationals as well as citizens of other countries. Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II is Sovereign of the Order, and appoints all other members of the Order on recommendation from the government.