Jee director Nigel Ross has more than 30 years’ experience in business development and sales management in the oil and gas industry.
Before joining the firm as business development director earlier this year he had the same role at Aberdeen energy consultant Xodus Group.
He has also held senior posts at Shell, Wood Group and Petrotechnics.
Jee has offices at Tonbridge in Kent, London and Westhill, near Aberdeen.
Mr Ross, 57, has joined the company in its 25th year and amid plans for controlled growth to double staff numbers in the north-east over the next year.
One of the most defining roles of his early career was at economic development quango Scottish Enterprise, where he worked for 13 years and set up offices in the Soviet Union during its perestroika and glasnost days. He said: “I travelled extensively through the Soviet Union, opening offices in Moscow, Baku and Siberia.
“I learnt some very important lessons during that time, most notably that perseverance pays off and relationships are critical to building successful opportunities for businesses.
“You can have the best products in the world, but until you develop a connection and seek an understanding you won’t get far.”
Mr Ross said one of the things that excited him about Jee – founded by managing director Trevor Jee – was the chance to help take it to the next level of growth.
The firm’s business strategy is focused on carefully managed expansion, with a targeted annual turnover of £20million – from £5million in 2012 – within a few years.
Starting from a small base in Kent, Jee opened an office in Westhill five years ago and its London site in January this year.
A strong order book has led to both the Westhill and London offices relocating to bigger premises this year.
In its early days, Jee specialised exclusively in pipeline engineering and carrying out highly technical studies and projects.
As the business has grown, its capabilities have expanded into the provision of fully integrated subsea services. Its activities now span the whole life-of-field, including subsea, umbilical, riser and flowline services, structures, controls, materials, installation, integrity management and decommissioning.
Jee is playing its part in extending the working life of offshore oil and gas installations.
Mr Ross said: “Our lifetime extension projects in the North Sea have extended production life in excess of 253 years.
“This equates to an approximate commercial value in excess of £114billion saved by operators as a result of the work delivered by Jee.”
The married father of three grown-up daughters is also a keen cook at home in Aberdeen.
He said: “My speciality is traditional Scottish fare and my signature dish is Cullen skink.
“Last year, I entered the inaugural Cullen skink world championships and – up against five pretty good chefs – I claimed the title.”
Q&A: Nigel Ross
Who helped you get where you are today?
Probably the biggest influence is my wife, Linda. She has always been supportive and is always there to offer advice, even though I may not like it.
What do you still hope to achieve in business?
Contributing however I can to eliminate risk within the industry and make it a safer place to work for all employees.
What is your greatest business challenge today?
Moving industry perception about Jee from being a highly technical niche service company to a recognised integrated subsea engineering provider.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
The NHS. In the private sector, you would simply strip out any additional layers of management and focus on end-user delivery and your core business.
Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
Hard to call, so shared first place is Sedona in Arizona and Egypt. Sedona because of the tranquillity, scenic beauty and sense of well-being when there and Egypt because of the people, the ancient culture, history and food.
Do you have any spare time and if so, what do you do?
I’ve heard it exists but have yet to experience it.
What are you reading, listening to or glued to on TV?
I have just finished consecutive reading – obviously not in one sitting – of all 30-plus Wilbur Smith novels on my Sony eReader. I bought his first book 37 years ago and became addicted.
If you were a character in a TV series or movie, who would you be?
Gordon Ramsay in Hell’s Kitchen USA.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I currently have a Vauxhall Insignia. Cars are to get from you from A to B, so I am not obsessed about owning a fancy marque.
What would your children or partner say about you?
My daughters would, I hope, say I am a good role model who has inspired and encouraged them.
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