Oil and gas industry skills body Opito has named John McDonald as its new managing director.
Mr McDonald, a former director of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, has been director of international workforce development for the training group for the last year.
He replaced Larraine Boorman, who stood down as managing director of the Aberdeen-based organisation at the end of last month.
“We are evolving as an organisation and adapting our response in line with the changing demand across all sectors of the industry,” said Opito chief executive David Doig.
“John joins us at an exciting time in our development as we embark on a new era in terms of how we engage with industry, government and education.
“Having played an important role in shaping OPITO’s international growth and fostering our relationships with key partners around the globe, he not only understands the vital role we play in terms of representing the needs of the industry with stakeholders, he also brings a wealth of experience in developing and delivering initiatives that meet those needs.”
The Harvard Business School graduate has been working with oil companies and governments in the middle and Far East over the last year on training agreements. Before joining Opito, he was a director on Abu Dhabi’s vocational training scheme.
McDonald takes the reins as the organisation prepares to begin a new report looking at the skills gap issue which has been highlighted as an major problem for the sector going forward.
Opito is working with a host of oil and gas industry bodies and organisations on the report, which will be used to establish the first national skills strategy for the sector.
“The drive to better engage with industry and its stakeholders to address the skills issue in the UK is very close to my heart,” said Mr McDonald.
“I hope to be able to make a valuable contribution to on-going and future projects in this area.”
