Aker Solutions today announced a new managing director at its Aker Offshore Partner unit in Aberdeen.
AOP also revealed plans for an increase in its north-east workforce.
Mike Forbes succeeds Rod Buchan at the AOP operation. Mr Buchan is leaving after 12 years with the company to take up another role.
The change at the top comes as the business prepares for new work through extensions to existing contracts with key clients and new contract wins.
As a direct result of this increased activity, it has agreed a new three-year lease on additional office space in Aberdeen.
Up to 200 staff – a mixture of existing and brand new posts – will be based at Admiral Court.
AOP is part of the Norwegian group’s maintenance, modifications and operations (MMO) business.
Stian Vemmestad, chairman of the UK MMO unit, said: “I am delighted that Mike has agreed to lead the next stage of the development of the MMO business in the UK.
“He is well known and respected within the local industry and is a role model for our company values. I would also like to thank Rod for his enthusiasm in running the Aberdeen office and for establishing relationships with new clients.”
Mr Forbes, 43, a structural engineer, joined Aker Solutions in 1990.
Apart from four years with Texaco, he has served the group for 17 years in a number of roles, most recently as vice president of modifications.
Mr Forbes said: “I am delighted to take up this prestigious appointment at such an exciting stage in the company’s development on the back of recent contract successes.
“I am committed to providing the highest standards of safe delivery and service to our customers and want to continue to ensure that Aker Solutions is the best place our people have ever worked.
“Increasing our office capacity within the city not only reaffirms our commitment to the UK, but will enable us to better support our clients in the continuing challenging business environment.”
Mr Buchan said: “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to lead this great business for the past four years. I would like to thank everyone for the commitment and support they have given me during this period. I am pleased to pass on the mantle to Mike.”
Aker Solutions employs more than 2,000 people in the north-east across three business units – Aker Offshore Partner, Aker Subsea and Aker Qserv.