In the volatile landscape of the global oil and gas industry, ensuring safety in hazardous environments is a paramount challenge. Companies must not only comply with stringent international standards but also adapt to diverse regional requirements and evolving energy paradigms. Cortem Group, an Italian pioneer in explosion-proof electrical equipment, has adeptly navigated these complexities through strategic leadership and innovation.
Founded in 1968, Cortem Group has over 5 decades of experience in designing and manufacturing ATEX and IECEx certified equipment for hazardous areas. Their product range includes LED lighting fixtures, junction boxes, cable glands, and customized control panels, serving sectors such as oil and gas, chemical, mining, and green energy . With a global presence encompassing sister companies in Dubai, Singapore, Moscow, and Buenos Aires, and a workforce of approximately 267 employees, Cortem Group has established itself as a leader in the explosion-protected market.
A key figure in Cortem Group’s international expansion is Marianna Saragaglia, Board Member and Chief Commercial Officer. With over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas sector across the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and the Far East, she brings invaluable expertise to the company. As Managing Director of Cortem Gulf in Dubai, established in 2015, she oversees operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, which includes commercial, administrative, and technical offices, as well as assembly and inspection areas.
Under her leadership, Cortem Gulf obtained the ADNOC In-Country Value (ICV) certification in 2019, demonstrating the company’s commitment to local investment and workforce development in the UAE . This strategic approach has enabled Cortem Group to secure significant projects, such as the Assiut Hydrocracking Complex in Egypt and the expansion of the Basrah refinery in Iraq.
Marianna Saragaglia’s global vision and strategic acumen have been instrumental in Cortem Group’s ability to meet the challenges of hazardous environments worldwide. Her leadership exemplifies how experienced individuals can drive a company’s success in complex international markets.
Cortem Group offers a comprehensive range of products engineered specifically for use in explosive and high-risk environments. These include:
Every product is crafted with an uncompromising focus on safety, functionality, and compliance with international standards for hazardous areas.
Innovation sits at the core of Cortem Group’s identity. The company is continuously investing in research and development, exploring smart solutions that improve operational safety and efficiency. From adopting next-generation materials to advancing connectivity in their systems, Cortem is also aligning itself with the future of sustainable energy, particularly in sectors like hydrogen and solar, ensuring that safety evolves alongside innovation.
With decades of experience, Cortem has earned the trust of industries operating in the harshest conditions, oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining, marine, and pharmaceuticals, to name a few. Its expertise is not just in manufacturing but in understanding the real-world demands of clients operating in hazardous locations, delivering tailored, robust solutions every time.
Behind Cortem’s success lies a deep commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Rigorous testing, adherence to global certifications, and strict quality control practices ensure that every product leaving its facilities meets the highest expectations. This dedication extends beyond the factory floor, Cortem also prioritizes client satisfaction, offering ongoing support and expertise across the lifecycle of their products.
Marianna’s professional story is steeped in decades of grit, growth, and global insight, especially across the dynamic landscapes of the Middle East and Africa. She began her career deep in the trenches with a leading EPC firm, mastering the essential elements of engineering and project execution. This hands-on foundation gave her the confidence to later pivot into working with specialized equipment manufacturers, where she further sharpened her domain expertise in oil and gas solutions.
A key element of Marianna’s success lies in her ability to forge strong, lasting connections with EPC companies and end users. She views these relationships not just as contacts, but as partnerships built on mutual respect and trust. For her, collaboration is the gateway to opportunity. It’s not just about getting through the door, it’s about being invited to stay.
In a sector that never stands still, Marianna knows that consistency is everything. Her belief in quality, agility, and technological advancement shapes the way she serves the market. Her focus isn’t just on keeping up, it’s on setting the pace. Whether it’s a refined piece of equipment or a service tailored to client needs, she ensures her solutions align with the shifting demands of the energy world.
Marianna doesn’t just speak the language of engineering, she’s fluent in commercial strategy too. Her background in estimating and contract negotiations gives her a unique edge when interacting with clients who know their numbers as well as they know their specs. She engages with decision-makers as a peer, not a vendor, making her an indispensable player in any high-stakes negotiation.
One of Marianna’s most defining professional moments was her leadership role at a downstream plant in Saudi Arabia, a position rarely held by women. Operating in this environment came with challenges, but her passion remained her compass. Every roadblock she faced only sharpened her resolve, proving that resilience isn’t just an attitude—it’s a career-defining skill.
Marianna’s ability to deeply understand her clients’ pressures and perspectives makes her stand out. Her experience as a Project Manager taught her to look beyond the scope of work and focus on aligning goals. It’s not about ticking boxes, it’s about co-creating success stories with those she serves.
Living for years in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Marianna doesn’t just work in the region, she breathes it. The cultural fluency she’s developed is one of her greatest assets. She knows that understanding local customs isn’t just polite, it’s powerful. It’s what allows her to navigate complex deals and cross-border conversations with both grace and precision.
Marianna’s leadership is marked by a rare blend of technical know-how, commercial sharpness, and deeply human qualities. Whether she’s interfacing with global EPC contractors or end users on the ground, her blend of authority and humility leaves a lasting impression. She stays grounded, yet always aims high.
Marianna played a significant role in some of the most intricate downstream projects in the Middle East. These weren’t just plants, they were proof of what happens when experience meets execution. Her presence on such monumental builds is a testament to her ability to manage complexity with confidence and clarity.
To Marianna, learning isn’t a phase, it’s a lifelong promise. She’s constantly upgrading her skills and embracing emerging technologies, believing that growth is a daily practice. Her advice to others is clear and powerful: prepare relentlessly, embrace discomfort, and never let your comfort zone become your ceiling.
