Engineering firm Ecosse Subsea Systems (ESS) has hired a former supply chain manager at Shell as its first ever commercial manager.
ESS said the appointment of Iain Middleton would bolster the Banchory-based firm’s expansion drive.
Most of Mr Middleton’s 30-year career in oil and gas was with Shell.
He was responsible for the commercial strategy, planning and execution of a number of projects.
He was latterly supply chain manager for Shell projects in the UK, Ireland and Netherlands.
ESS managing director Mike Wilson said the appointment was a precursor to a sustained period of growth fuelled by expansion into new markets.
Mr Wilson said: “Iain’s supply chain experience and track record of working at a senior level for a corporate major will introduce new skills and greatly improve our procedures and ways of doing business. His appointment is one of a number that are in the pipeline as ESS moves towards a new phase of organic growth and product development.
“We are experiencing a strong upsurge in demand for our services and Iain will ensure we continue to improve on the high standards of delivery that is an ESS hallmark.”
Mr Middleton said: “ESS is a positive example of a business which has bridged the gap between the traditional oil and gas sector and the fast-emerging renewables market. I am looking forward to being part of the team which drives the business on to the next phase of growth and further success.”
Founded in 1996, ESS started out as a subsea technology firm working in the oil and gas sector, but has since expanded into renewables.
In recent times it has been working on seabed clearance and trenching projects in the Baltic Sea.