One of the world’s largest energy companies, GDF Suez, has set up a base in the centre of Aberdeen and is looking to recruit up to 80 people in the year ahead.
The Paris-based group is spending £6million on establishing a UK exploration and production (E&P) operations centre at the city’s Union Plaza development, just off Union Street.
The GDF Suez office in London employs 90 people and will remain the headquarters of the E&P UK division.
Rene Montaz, managing director of E&P UK for the company, said of the Aberdeen move: “This is a natural step in the evolution of our business in the UK.
“Aberdeen is the oil and gas capital of Europe and it’s important for our UK North Sea operations team to be located there.”
Rob Buchan, general manager of the Aberdeen centre, added: “The North Sea is a key growth region for GDF Suez E&P UK with our offshore interests spanning more than 35 exploration and development blocks across the west of Shetland, central and southern North Sea basins.
“We operate 15 of these 35 blocks, two of which include the Cygnus and Juliet fields which are significant North Sea discoveries and are now approaching development approval.
“GDF Suez plans to become an important producer in the UK North Sea and will play a significant role in its future development and longevity.”
Mr Buchan, 54, was previously with BP for 24 years in drilling and operations management in Aberdeen and London.
GDF Suez has been in the UK for about 10 years; previously operating as Gaz de France before the merger with Suez.
Tom Smith, chairman of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (Acsef), said: “Attracting a major international company to Aberdeen, particularly in light of the current economic climate, reinforces the city’s reputation as a global energy centre.
“It is also a significant investment in Acsef’s vision for the future economic growth of the north-east in terms of new business and employment opportunities.
“In addition, GDF Suez will further bring a new dimension to the vibrant business community emerging in the city centre, further supporting Acsef’s aim to redevelop the heart of Aberdeen.”
The GDF Suez group employs 200,000 people worldwide and had revenue of £71.9billion last year.
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