Sameh Sabry will replace Thomas Radwitz as the general manager of DEA Egypt starting August 1, making Sabry the first Egyptian to hold this position, Egypt Oil & Gas reports.

“He knows DEA Egypt by heart, is well connected, and respected and starts his new job with great competence and a strong DEA spirit,” DEA CEO Maria Moraeus Hanssen said in the handover speech.

Sabry joined DEA 10 years ago and excelled in managerial positions such as general manager of DEA’s Algeria branch and deputy general manager of DEA’s Egypt branch.

The Hamburg-based company is now evaluating the blocks offered by the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company in its latest bid round.

DEA is doubling its investments in Egypt to reach $500 million over the coming two years. The company is currently completing projects in its Suez and Disouq assets. Its investment in the Gulf of Suez has already led to a significant production increase, the company said in a statement.