Ross Provan has been designated as the leader of decommissioning possibilities at Aberdeenshire agency Elemental Energies.
Provan brings 18 years of responsibilities and operational know-how collaborating with major international operators and contractors, covering experience in drilling, facility engineering, subsea, project assurance, construction, and decommissioning.
In his new capacity, he will steer Elemental Energies’ focus on EPRD (engineering, planning, removal, and disposal) and the integration of services, including the current wells decommissioning capabilities across all areas of the decommissioning work breakdown structure (WBS).
Elemental Energies has expert teams in subsurface, wells, and facilities, boasting a track record of managing extensive platform plugging and abandonment (P&A), major subsea well decommissioning, and integrated wells and facilities projects.
The company’s CEO, Mike Adams, remarked: “With global offshore decommissioning expenditure anticipated to double in the next twenty years, the demand for integrated, cost-efficient, and innovative solutions is crucial.”
“We believe this approach to decommissioning provides significant opportunities for efficiencies, especially when technical teams collaborate early in the process.”
“We have witnessed these benefits firsthand through our successful delivery of integrated wells and facilities scopes.”
“With Ross at the helm of this essential area, we are confident that his knowledge and expertise will aid us in continuing to foster innovation and efficiency in the decommissioning sector.”
Last year, Elemental Energies acquired the Norwegian company Well Experience, providing a turnover boost exceeding £50 million.
Carlos Martin Rivals has resigned as CEO of BlueFloat Energy.
In a LinkedIn post, he stated: “After thoughtful consideration, I’ve decided that this is the right time to turn the page on my role in the company I founded with the support of 547 Energy and Quantum Capital Group in 2020 and move forward to explore other opportunities.”
“It has been an incredible journey since we launched the company during the Covid lockdown in early 2020. I feel fortunate for the chance to expand offshore wind across numerous existing and new markets.”
He praised the company’s achievements, including establishing a portfolio of approximately 13GW of projects in the UK, Australia, Italy, and Spain.
Among its initiatives are the Sinclair and Scaraben floating offshore wind farms, which it is developing alongside Nadara.
Rivals added: “I wish to extend special gratitude to Gabriel Alonso, an inspiring leader who has provided continual guidance and encouragement over the years, for inviting me to lead this journey.”
“I would also like to express heartfelt appreciation for the support provided by so many from 547 Energy and Quantum Capital Group. Nothing would have been possible without such robust backing.”
Chris McNeely has been elevated to global head of financial advisor Capco’s energy practice.
This appointment follows the decision by global head of energy Lance McAnelly to retire after over three decades in the industry to spend more time with his family.
McNelly will remain at Capco until the end of Capco’s fiscal year to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
McNeely joined Capco’s energy sector in 1998 and has collaborated with numerous leading international, national, and regional companies throughout the entire energy value chain, specializing in technology advisory, custom-developed technology solutions, software integrations, regulatory compliance, and data integration and reporting.
In his new position, he will focus on the expansion of the energy practice to capitalize on opportunities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, building on the momentum achieved in Capco’s Brazil and UK operations.
McNeely’s appointment comes after two recent additions at Capco – Rob Deakin as head of management and Mark Pickering as senior advisor.
Christian Hilstad has joined as chief financial officer (CFO) at Aberdeenshire-based consultancy Vysus Group.
He comes to Vysus Group from OpusCapita, where he served as CFO, alongside holding various senior commercial and financial roles in international companies within the technology sector.
Hilstad will focus on further enhancing the company’s financial position as part of its strategic global expansion.
He stated: “This is a crucial time for Vysus Group as we aim to provide support to clients regionally throughout the energy transition. This role enables me to combine my expertise in finance and business strategy to assist in achieving our growth ambitions.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to engage with many colleagues across our international offices during my first few weeks, and it’s evident that there’s a shared commitment to innovation and technical excellence. I look forward to being a part of the next chapter in Vysus Group’s story.”
The consultancy appointed a new chief executive officer last year as part of a leadership restructure, with Thomas Aas Saethre succeeding David Clark.
Mark Smith has been assigned as managing director of engineering firm Feritech Global located in Falmouth.
Smith has been with Feritech since 2021, initially as procurement manager and later as general manager.
The former managing director and founder Robert Ferris is resigning from his director position to pursue other interests while remaining a shareholder in Feritech Global.
The company recently inaugurated an Innovation Centre, which specializes
in exceptional engineering solutions for the maritime industry.
In 2023, the Addtech Group, a publicly traded technical solutions collective from Sweden, acquired a controlling stake in Feritech World.
Feritech provides tailored technical solutions for subsea geotechnical surveys, serving clients across offshore wind developers, the oil & gas industry, and the telecommunications domain.
Smith remarked: “The maritime technology field possesses significant growth potential globally. The company has an excellent reputation for creativity and client relations, and I look forward to enhancing that further.
“We have ambitious plans to expand the business internationally and solidify our status as a global innovator at the forefront of the rapidly growing subsea geotechnical industry.”
Morten Nevland has been elevated to lead and oversee ASCO’s merger of freight services; ASCO Freight Management (AFM) UK and AFM Norway, into a unified entity.
Previously holding the position of director of freight management in Norway, Nevland will consolidate the strengths of both operations to optimize the company’s potential as it seeks further growth across diverse sectors and markets.
Additionally, Seletar, ASCO’s ship management service, will also report to Morten.
The strategic aim will be to cultivate a consolidated group freight operation that will initially focus on oil and gas, with prospects to extend into new markets.
ASCO CEO Mike Pettigrew stated: “The establishment of a unified freight management service will result in a more cohesive, agile organization.
“Under Morten’s guidance, we will integrate Norwegian expertise into the UK while building upon the unique strengths of our UK operations.
ASCO recently secured a £70-million contract from Aker BP for activities across its Norwegian operations.
Martin Pibworth has taken on the role of chairman of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Scotland as the business community aims for sustainable long-term growth within the nation.
Currently serving as SSE’s chief business officer, Pibworth brings extensive business expertise, particularly in sustainability and net-zero sectors, which are vital for fostering green growth.
He succeeds Jennifer Young, Partner at Ledingham Chalmers, in the chair position.
Collaborating with new CBI Scotland director Michelle Ferguson, Pibworth will support the CBI team’s ongoing engagement with both the Scottish and UK governments on issues ranging from skills shortages and the high cost burden on businesses, to opportunities surrounding AI and innovation.
Ferguson mentioned: “This is a crucial time for the business community, and as the UK government continues to propel its growth mission, the Scottish Government encourages firms to invest in net zero, skills, and apprenticeships.
“We will collaborate to address many challenges that hinder companies’ investment, such as the elevated cost of doing business. We will also engage with businesses to explore ways they can be supported in maximizing the opportunities created by technology and green growth.”
Cederic Cremers and Peter Costello have been named president of integrated gas and upstream, respectively, at Shell.
Both will join the company’s executive committee effective 1 April 2025 as they aid in advancing its strategy to generate more value with reduced emissions.
Furthermore, integrated gas and upstream director Zoe Yujnovich will exit her position effective 31 March 2025, after which she will depart the company.
Shell CEO Wael Sawan stated: “We have made significant strides in the past two years establishing stability with a record of strong performance and proactive portfolio management while streamlining our operations.
“Now is the opportune moment to commence the next phase of our transformation. Moving forward, we will simplify our highest levels of leadership structure to reflect three primary areas of business value – integrated gas; upstream; and downstream, renewables, and energy solutions, while also enhancing trading and supply, which is a key enabler across the organization.
“In the first half of 2026, we will also combine the technical divisions, which currently comprise our projects and technology directorate, into our business lines. This further simplification will empower our operations by bringing these technical capabilities closer to where we create value.”
The two appointments come amid reports that Shell may reduce its oil and gas exploration workforce by 20%.
Ian Tyler has recently been appointed to BP’s board as a non-executive director and chair elect of the remuneration committee, effective 1 April 2025.
Tyler currently serves as chair of Grafton Group and as the senior independent director, chair of the remuneration committee, and a member of the audit and nomination committees at Anglo American.
He also holds the position of senior independent director and chair of the audit committee at Synthomer.
His appointment aligns with the board’s initiative to introduce new members who can bring the additional skills and expertise BP requires as it embarks on its next chapter.
BP chairman Helge Lund remarked: “Ian offers a robust track record of executive and non-executive experience across various sectors, most recently leading the remuneration committees of some of the UK’s largest quoted companies. Our board discussions will gain from the emphasis he will bring on performance against the plans we outlined on 26 February.”
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