In a new monthly series in the business section, we will be rounding up everything you need to know about the latest director appointments in the north and north-east.
Havfram Subsea has appointed Gregor Scott as managing director for the company’s UK operation.
Mr Scott has more than 20 years’ experience in the oil and gas and offshore renewables industries working in a variety of roles from naval architect through to commercial management.
During the past 10 years Mr Scott has held commercial and leadership roles within the Havfram organisation and as managing director (UK) he will be responsible for the transition into an independent company following the sale of the offshore wind business last month.
Mr Scott said: “We are well placed to deliver our offshore and marine operations to both the traditional oil and gas and the renewables markets.
“My goal will be to continue building relationships with our customers and partners to ensure this happens.”
Chief executive Kevin Murphy said: “I am confident in Gregor’s ability to guide the UK team, grow our market share and continue to deliver successful and safe projects.”
AAB has new COO
Less than 18 months since accountancy and business services group AAB secured investment from August Equity to fast-track its growth plans, it has announced the appointment of Derek Mitchell as new chief operating officer.
In the new role, Mr Mitchell will focus on improving cross-departmental processes as well as developing new working practices to support the global operations of AAB Group.
Mr Mitchell, who has worked at the firm for more than 16 years and was previously managing partner, said: “Our strategic growth plan will not only benefit our clients but also provide unmatched opportunities for our own people and building that is what I am truly excited about.”
Steven Fraser has been appointed to Mr Mitchell’s role of managing partner, Aberdeen, having led the payroll and employment taxes team at AAB for more than five years.
Senior leadership changes at STC Insiso
The aberdeen-headquartered problem-solving company, STC Insiso has announced changes to its executive leadership team as it prepares for further business growth.
Martin Dunn has moved from his existing role as Comet delivery manager to become head of operations, while Alan Smith has transitioned from chief operating officer into a newly created role as head of investigations.
Prior to joining the company, both men served in the police for 30 years having followed similar career paths with senior investigation roles, including detective superintendent.
STC Insiso chief executive Mark Rushton said: “Having the right people in Alan and Martin, with their unique blend of investigative experience, in the right positions to support this growth of the Comet product suite and services is crucial.”
New COO for tech disruptor
ePOS Hybrid has appointed Aberdonian Andrew Gibbon as its first-ever chief operating officer to drive the international expansion of its business.
The company said it comes during the business’ most successful months since its founding, making a string of new hires to help support demand and fuel further expansion as they achieve sustained month-on-month growth.
Mr Gibbon’s role will be to head up the commercial side of the Edinburgh-based business, focusing on generating rapid user and revenue growth.
The 30-year-old has been promoted to the newly-created COO role as point-of-sale tech specialist following more than three years as the firm’s head of growth.
A serial entrepreneur and expert in scaling start-ups, Mr Gibbon is also a successful founder in his own right, having co-founded Aberdeen-based XOXO Florist Aberdeen eight years ago.
He said: “To be stepping up to COO at the firm at the age of 30 is a massive personal achievement for me among plenty of great moments we’ve had so far as a business.
“The start-up journey is hard but the prospect of continuing ePOS Hybrid on its trajectory of exponential growth is obviously an exciting one as we begin targeting new international territories and taking new products to market.”
ePOS Hydrid is now looking towards the European, Australian and American markets as it scales towards launching its series A funding round in 2023.
Founder and chief executive Bhas Kalangi said: “We’re building a world-class team and I think it’s important that it starts with our management.
“Now, with Andrew as part of the leadership team, we’ll continue to aggressively grow our position in the UK while diversifying and elevating our market-leading product range to offer our platform across the world.”
Law body appoints new president
The Aberdeen Bar Association, which represents the interests of criminal and civil court lawyers who practice at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, has elected Garry Sturrock as its new president.
Mr Sturrock, a former procurator fiscal and lawyer, is a senior associate and accredited family lawyer at Brodies.
He said: “It’s a privilege to be elected to this important role.
“I have pledged my commitment to ensuring that we continue to be a strong voice on important issues facing members and their clients.”
Mr Sturrock takes over the role from Aberdeen solicitor-advocate Ian Woodward-Nutt, who will remain a key member of the body.
Conversation