Energy appointments to GlobalScot network
Energy Minister announces three new members during Offshore Technology Conference
The prestigious GlobalScot network will welcome three new members from the energy sector at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston (OTC) this week.
Chris Cooper, director of global projects at Marathon Oil in Houston, Douglas Craig, chairman & managing director of Craig Group in Aberdeen, and George Laird, business development director at Dresser-Rand in Houston – will be formally welcomed to the GlobalScot network by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing at OTC.
Mr Ewing said:
“The GlobalScot network is a prestigious, international network of Scots, and those with an affinity for Scotland, who are committed to advancing Scotland’s economic success globally.
“The commitment of Chris, Douglas and George and the other GlobalScots directly shows their dedication in assisting in Scotland’s future. All members of the network are making an invaluable contribution to Scotland’s continued growth.”
The GlobalScot network promotes Scottish businesses both at home and abroad, underlining the widespread influence of Scotland at an international level and the benefits Scottish expertise can bring.
The appointments see the three business leaders join a global network of over 640 high profile and successful Scots and people with affinity for Scotland – over 100 of which operate in the energy sector.
They have joined a number of other GlobalScots in Houston where they are meeting 63 companies which have travelled to OTC as part of a trade delegation led by Scottish Development International, the international arm of Scotland’s enterprise agencies.
David Rennie, head of oil & gas at Scottish Enterprise, which manages the GlobalScot network said:
“Seeking out new global opportunities is one of the key focuses of Scotland’s industry-led oil & gas strategy, because we know that developing international activity is a key driver of business growth.
“The work of GlobalScots at OTC really demonstrates the scale and reach of the network with almost 100 meetings between GlobalScots and Scottish companies planned throughout the event. These latest high profile appointments are a testament to the continued success of the network and its contribution to both the energy sector and the wider Scottish economy.”
Since it was set up in 2001 it’s estimated that GlobalScot has helped generate more than £30million worth of GVA for Scotland, with members supporting a range of activities geared towards driving forward Scotland’s economy in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Assistance can range from market advice and interactions to much deeper levels of engagement including advisory roles on industry bodies and non executive roles within Scotland’s most ambitious companies.
Douglas Craig added: "I am very honoured to be part of such a prestigious network which actively promotes Scotland and Scottish business. Our oilfield procurement business now supplies 55 countries from ten international bases. As we seek to extend our international footprint, I will actively champion the GlobalScot programme around the world.”
Biographies
Chris Cooper, Director, Global Projects, Marathon Oil, Houston
Chris has worked for Marathon Oil for over 20 years in a variety of engineering, project management and leadership roles. He has lived and worked in many geographic locations including; UK, US, Canada, Russia, Norway, and West Africa. Recent roles included Regional Vice-President for Mid-Continent production assets and Director of Financial Planning. He currently leads the company's Global Projects division which is responsible for the execution of major capital developments across worldwide operations.
Douglas Craig, Chairman & Managing Director, Craig Group, Aberdeen
Educated at Robert Gordon’s College and Aberdeen University, Douglas then spent 4 years with KPMG in Aberdeen, qualifying as a Scottish Chartered Accountant before joining the family business in 1976. In 1980, he was appointed Services Director with the Craig Group where he developed, expanded and diversified the service areas to enable the Group to become a market leader in stand-by vessels, oilfield procurement and offshore catering. In 1988, he was appointed Managing Director and has spearheaded the development of the Group to become one of Scotland’s top 100 companies.
George Laird, Business Development director, Dresser-Rand Houston
George is a chartered engineer currently employed by Dresser-Rand Ltd as the Business Development Director within the Machine Technology group. His key responsibility is to manage a team that promotes specialist projects throughout the power generation industry. The role also involves ongoing projects within the renewable industry worldwide.This has encompassed the business plan development for a new separate business unit focusing on new state of the art technologies.
GlobalScot
GlobalScot was founded to harness the drive, ambition and talent of high profile and successful Scots and people with an affinity for Scotland around the world and to develop an international business network, committed to advancing Scotland’s economic success.
Offshore Technology Conference
Founded in 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference is the world’s foremost event for the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. OTC is held annually at Reliant Centre in Houston, Texas