Aker Solutions has named the former director of global subsea operations at FMC Technologies, David Currie, as its new boss in the UK.
The energy service group said yesterday it had hired him for the newly-created role in order to help lead its expansion in a key market.
Mr Currie will be based in Aberdeen, where Aker Solutions has 2,600 employees working in maintenance, modifications and operations, drilling technologies and subsea business areas.
He will also oversee operations in Stockton-on-Tees and the Norwegian group’s recently-opened office based in London, which over time will become a hub for global engineering and subsea services.
Executive chairman Oyvind Eriksen said: “David is an oil industry veteran, with a significant track record in developing successful businesses.
“His experience in the subsea and energy sectors will be a huge asset in developing Aker Solutions in the UK and beyond.”
Mr Currie will report to Mr Eriksen as one of four regional presidents, starting Monday, January 20.
He joins the company after nearly 30 years with Houston-based FMC Technologies, where he has held various positions – most recently as director of global subsea operations.
His career began after a law degree in Aberdeen and post-graduate studies in human resources.
Aker Solutions, controlled by billionaire Kjell Inge Roekke, employs about 28,000 people in more than 30 countries.
It recently announced it was selling its well-intervention division, including the former Qserv business at Portlethen, near Aberdeen, to Swedish private-equity firm EQT in a deal worth more than £400million.
The group also expects to sell its oilfield service arm, either as a whole or in chunks, within a year as part of a strategy to increase its focus on deepwater and subsea oil service markets.