The entry of SThree’s Progressive brand into the US oil & gas sector is spearheading the international recruiter’s expansion, according to SThree’s departing chief operating officer.

As part of SThree’s growth strategy, in February Progressive opened for business servicing oil & gas service companies and consultancies in Houston, the US oil & gas capital.

And this month, three of the firm’s existing consultants joined the Houston operation from the UK, as it officially opened its doors.

SThree has historically been seen as an IT recruiter. But Sunil Wickremeratne, who is leaving SThree at the end of November, told Recruiter that SThree’s expansion “doesn’t have to be IT led”. Wickremeratne set up Progressive 20 years ago.

According to profit centre manager Ryan Clarke, who set up Progressive’s Houston operation in February, the company has already invoiced clients to the value of $450,000 (£300,000).

Clarke said that while the US market is at a similar stage of maturity as the UK, the environment was more welcoming towards agencies. “There is a bit less cynicism towards recruiters,” said Clarke.

He added that the fee quality was “excellent”, with appointments tending to be of higher quality compared to other parts of Progressive’s operations, though volume was lower.

Due to difficulties obtaining visas, candidates are mainly US citizens, he added.

Wickremeratne told Recruiter that while he is stepping down “with some regret”, it is “the right thing to do…I will step aside for the future of the business so that new people can come through and take more responsibility,” he said.

Despite leaving SThree, he said he has no plans to sell his own stake, at least in the short term.