The boss of the new oil and gas regulator has been revealed as the keynote speaker at the first ever Press & Journal Gold Awards.
Andy Samuel, the chief executive of the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) which is set to usher in a new era of collaboration in the North Sea, said events such as the Gold Awards would help the industry “create a positive future”.
The announcement of the evening’s highlight comes just days before the deadline for submitting entries to the awards comes on Friday.
Mr Samuel said: “I am delighted to be speaking at the Press and Journal Gold Awards in June. At this challenging time for our industry, it has never been more important to recognise and reinforce the positive impact oil and gas companies and their employees have on Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland.
“The Gold Awards provide an excellent opportunity for us to celebrate success, share best practice and work together to create a positive future.”
Press and Journal editor-in-chief Damian Bates said: “We are so pleased that Andy has agreed to join us to deliver the keynote speech at the Gold Awards.
“As the leader of a new regulator that is set to transform the way the North Sea industry operates, Andy will be able to deliver some real insight into how the next 50 years of the UK’s oil and gas industry in Aberdeen will take shape.
“We have launched these awards to celebrate how leadership has underpinned the remarkable success of the industry – and how it will set the tone in the future.
“It’s important that the Press and Journal steps back and, for the first time, celebrates the amazing achievements the people involved in this dynamic industry have produced in our own back yard.”
Leading lights of the oil and gas industry – from small to large firms – can now submit their entries to the inaugural Gold Awards until Friday, 15 May – with the cost of entry being completely free of charge.
The deadline was extended after unprecedented interest from supply chain firms and their marketing arms, with significant interest from those exhibiting at OTC in Houston last week.
The Press and Journal, in association with sister website Energy Voice and title sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management, has launched the awards scheme to mark a major milestone for the oil and gas sector – the 50th year of the north-east’s involvement in the development of the North Sea.
There are six categories companies and individuals can enter, including: Most Influential Business of the Past 50 Years; Most Influential Business of the Next 50 Years; Emerging Leader; Global Impact; Innovation of the Past 50 Years; and Innovation for the Future.
Category hopefuls can apply by visiting the dedicated awards website. The new awards ceremony will be held on Friday, June 5, at the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen.
A table of 10 costs £1,500 plus VAT.
The website, www.pandjgoldawards.com, is live for bookings. Alternatively, Rachael Duff can arrange for tables to be ordered on 01382 575965, or e-mail rduff@ajl.co.uk.