International SOS Establishes Latin America Region Division

MIAMI, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- International SOS, the world's largest provider of medical assistance, international healthcare and security services which serves over 6,000 corporate clients around the world, announced it has launched an operations group serving the Latin America Region, including the Caribbean Sea. The division is headquartered in Miami, and also includes offices in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

"Over our 25 year history, International SOS has always been very active in assisting our global clients throughout Latin America," said Marc Staeding, CEO, International SOS, Latin America Region. "However, growing demand — especially from the oil/gas and mining industries — for the kinds of critical services we deliver has given us the opportunity to roll out new resources in the region."

International SOS' three new offices will support and assist clients, both those based in the region and those with satellite operations there, with offerings such as remote-site medical services, security assistance and emergency support.

The offices will leverage International SOS' established network of Latin American providers, many of whom are identified by the company's doctors, nurses, security and aviation specialists during in-country site visits from International SOS' Philadelphia alarm center that has been supporting travelers and expatriates for the past quarter century.  

"Latin America has seen a dramatic groundswell of companies — particularly Brazilian and Mexican companies — whose businesses have grown internationally," said Staeding. "To manage risks associated with this expansion and fulfill its duty of care, these companies increasingly require the type of assistance services that International SOS provides."

"Traditionally, the greatest demand for our services has come from North American, European and Asian companies that require support for their global business travelers and expatriates. However, increasingly we are supporting companies headquartered in emerging economies. The establishment of the Latin America Region is a reflection of that trend," Staeding said.

As CEO, International SOS, Latin America Region, Staeding, who joined the company in 2002 and was previously Group Sales & Marketing Director, reports to International SOS CEO and Chairman Arnaud Vaissie.

Yves Degen, Business Development Director, is leading sales and marketing and overseeing Brazilian operations from the Rio de Janeiro office. Degen joined International SOS in the beginning of this year and has an extensive experience in business development for national and multinational companies in Brazil and abroad, conducting businesses in Latin America, North America, Europe, Africa and Middle East.

Degen said the Brazilian offices' operations will have three primary objectives:1) to provide closer support to International SOS' global clients working in Brazil; 2) to help newly arrived companies establish operations in the country; and 3) to assist Brazilian companies with their plans for global expansion.

"International SOS medical and security solutions enable Brazilian companies to mitigate risks and reduce liabilities, assuring business continuity and profitability wherever they decide to operate," said Degen.

About International SOS: Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com) helps organizations manage the health and security risks facing their international travelers and expatriates. Using its worldwide network of alarm centers, clinics, and over 60,000 health and logistics providers, the company offers local expertise, preventative advice, and emergency assistance during critical illness, accident, or civil unrest. International SOS provides medical and security information services, medical consulting, staffing support, occupational healthcare, and healthcare management services globally. Last year the company handled over 1,200,000 cases, including nearly 17,000 medical evacuations. International SOS works in partnership with businesses, governments and non-governmental organizations and currently provides key services to 87 percent of the Fortune Global 100 companies.

SOURCE International SOS