Two well-kent faces have joined the senior management team at law firm Aberdein Considine (AC).
Julie Thomson has been appointed as the firm’s new chief financial officer and Mike Fergusson has been hired as chief operating officer.
Chartered accountant Ms Thomson joins Aberdeen-based AC from global energy firm Proserv where she was group chief financial officer.
Prior to this, she spent 20 years with Weatherford International where she progressed her career across a range of senior finance roles, latterly appointed as senior director.
Ms Thomson said: “Aberdein Considine is a high-performing firm which has shown great growth and ambition over the years.”
Wealth of experience
Mr Fergusson brings more than 30 years of experience most of which was within the financial services industry.
Having joined the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1990, the majority of his 25 years with the bank focused on working with business clients and his career included being appointed as the director for commercial banking covering the north-east of Scotland.
In 2014 Mr Fergusson moved into the oil and gas service sector, completing six years with XL Global Group and was as group commercial director with Aberdeen-based Apex Industrial Chemicals.
Mr Fergusson said: “I’ve known the management at Aberdein Considine for a long time and they have built a hard-earned and well-deserved reputation as one of Scotland’s most respected law firms.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with my new colleagues in the months and years ahead.”
Part of growth strategy
The firm said the appointment of the duo was a demonstration of its growth strategy, with it making significant investments in mergers, new senior hires and infrastructure during the last 12 months.
Managing partner Jacqueline Law said: “The last few years have seen the firm grow and transform at significant pace, and Julie and Mike’s appointments strengthen the firm’s experienced management team and demonstrates its commitment to supporting our staff and expanding our service offering to clients.
“Both have an excellent track record of delivering operational excellence and growth.
“They are both highly respected professionals and well known in the local and wider business communities and we are confident that they will help us deliver steady and consistent growth over the next five years.”
Newly created role at Port of Aberdeen
Meanwhile, Port of Aberdeen has appointed Roddy James as its first chief commercial officer as the organisation targets significant growth across a diverse range of sectors.
Mr James joins the port having held a wide range of senior leadership positions within the energy and marine sectors for more than 20 years, including Utility ROV Services, N-Sea and Stork.
He said he was “honoured to be joining at such an important time in the port’s rich history”.
He added: “The new expanded facilities are truly world class and put the north-east at the forefront of the energy transition journey.
“I look forward to working with my new colleagues as we support the port’s and wider region’s ambitions for growth.”
In the newly created role, Mr James will lead Port of Aberdeen’s marine, operations and business development functions.
His focus is to retain existing customers, attract new business to the port, accelerate the organisation’s growth strategy and deliver operational excellence.
‘Pivotal time’
Port of Aberdeen chief executive Bob Sanguinetti said: “Roddy’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Port of Aberdeen.
“Having successfully navigated the pandemic the business now has a strong platform for future growth across both its existing North Harbour and the new South Harbour, which will take Aberdeen’s capabilities to a new level when construction completes in Q2 2023.
“Roddy’s vast industry experience, drive and impressive record of delivering growth will be hugely influential as we continue to evolve to support new industries.
“His skillset will complement the talent, expertise and capabilities in the Port, and we are excited to draw on his wealth of expertise as an integral part of our ongoing evolution.
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