Law firm Pinsent Masons said at OTC yesterday that it had appointed Bob Ruddiman as global head of energy and natural resources.
Mr Ruddiman was previously head of energy at McGrigors which merged with Pinsent Masons on Tuesday to create the UK’s 12th largest law firm.
He will continue to be based in Aberdeen and his responsibilities will cover activity and opportunities in exploration and production, oil services, nuclear, conventional power, renewables, low-carbon solutions, water and mining/minerals.
Pinsent Masons now employs more than 2,500 people worldwide, including 1,500-plus lawyers.
Mr Ruddiman said: “With McGrigors’ strong reputation in the UK continental shelf oil and gas sector and renewables, allied to Pinsent Masons’ Middle East and Asia-Pacific presence, the new firm can offer a combination of a long international track record, deep sector knowledge and global capability.
“While my new role has global strategic responsibility, I will continue to be based in the oil capital of Europe and this underlines Pinsent Masons’ commitment to the energy sector.
“I am fortunate to be surrounded by a very strong team of people with strength and depth across the sector which will deliver what clients need and can anticipate and be responsive to changes in the markets.”
The opening of new offices in France and Germany this year would present new business opportunities for Pinsent Masons, said Mr Ruddiman, and offered access to new markets for existing and potential clients. He added: “We have feet on the ground in the main energy hubs, which is a very attractive proposition to UK clients looking to internationalise, but we also enjoy strong local collaboration in emerging markets.
“In Brazil for example, we are currently advising on four significant projects and South America is a region where a lot of businesses in Aberdeen are interested in doing work.”
Pinsent Masons will move into a new headquarters in Queen’s Road, Aberdeen, in August and has outlined expansion in the Granite City, which includes adding a further 30 staff to its 50-strong team.