The new boss of energy service giant Wood Group said yesterday he was excited but nervous to lead the business which employs 43,000 people in more than 50 countries.
Bob Keiller, who becomes chief executive of the Aberdeen-based company today, said: “It is a fantastic honour to be given the chance to take the helm of a company with such a reputation and track record.”
Sir Ian Wood, 70, retired from the group yesterday after nearly 50 years in the venture he transformed from a fishing firm. He had been chairman since 1982 and served as its chief executive from 1967-2006.
Sir Ian is replaced as chairman by ex-CEO Allister Langlands, who has been with Wood Group since 1991.
Mr Keiller, who was chief executive of the group’s PSN division, said: “One of the big challenges for me is that Sir Ian and Allister have had a long time with the business and have been there as it has grown.
“I am coming in relatively new. I will have to spend a lot of time getting to know people at a professional and social level.”
Wood Group has risen to be a UK FTSE 100 company, with a market value of more than £3billion. Over 11,000 of the workforce are in Britain, including 5,000-plus in Aberdeen.
Mr Keiller said he would like to continue the company’s growth trajectory, but deals will not be done just for the sake of it. He added: “The business is in good health and any acquisitions we make will be the right ones for us.”
There has been speculation that the departure of Sir Ian could leave the company vulnerable to a takeover but Mr Keiller disagreed, saying: “It would be no more or less vulnerable. Being a healthy business is the best way for us to make sure it stays with the existing leadership team.”
Meanwhile, the new CEO would not be drawn on the subject of possible Scottish independence.
“That’s one for the voters,” he said. “We intend to be successful irrespective of the referendum result.”
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