Martin Gilbert has been appointed as the new chairman of the Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC).
The former Standard Life Aberdeen vice chair will take over from Archie Kennedy, who has led the Aberdeen-based research and technology organisation since 2017.
Gilbert founded of Aberdeen Asset Manager and became co-chief executive after its £11 billion merger with Standard Life in 2017. He stood down from the SLA board last week and but will comtonue to work for the group until September. Gilbert became chair of digital bank Revolut in January.
He said: “Aberdeen has been a major part of my life – both professionally and personally – and I am passionate about investing in the future prosperity of the North East of Scotland.
“Despite the significant economic challenges facing country as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, governments and industry remain committed to delivering net zero. The OGTC therefore has a crucial role in developing technologies to enable the oil and gas sector to be a valued part of the transition.”
The OGTC was established with £180 million funding from the Aberdeen City Region Deal and has invested in nearly 250 innovative projects. Its Net Zero Solution Centre is intended to accelerate technology to support the UK’s transition to a net zero economy and meet the growing demand for low carbon energy technologies.
OGTC CEO Colette Cohen said: “We’re excited to welcome Martin to the Oil & Gas Technology Centre at this pivotal time for the oil and gas industry. His extensive experience and strategic leadership will be invaluable as we accelerate technology to support the post-Covid-19 recovery and deliver a net zero North Sea.
“From a standing start in early 2017, the OGTC has become integral part of the UK energy and technology ecosystem and Archie’s passion, commitment and leadership as board chair has been integral to our growth and success and I am very grateful for his support and counsel.”
Kennedy, a former managin director of ConocoPhillips UK and Nexen Petroleum, said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been part of the OGTC journey and to have helped build an innovative organisation which, in the space of a few short years, has delivered a such strong track record.
“We launched with a clear ambition: - to accelerate the pace of technology deployment on the UKCS, anchor and grow the supply chain, and create a culture of innovation in the north east of Scotland.
“We have made great strides towards these aims through hundreds of incredible technology projects, helping companies develop and grow while inspiring a broader culture of innovation through our work with schools. I’m confident the OGTC will continue to be a catalyst for change and help to develop the net zero energy system of the future.”
