Subsea UK has unveiled its new Board, following a members’ ballot at the industry body’s Annual General Meeting.
Following an unprecedented number of member nominations, two new Board members were appointed and seven members re-elected.
Cameron Mitchell, technical disciplines assurance manager for Shell UK, and Mark Richardson, projects group manager for Apache North Sea, join the board of Subsea UK.
Bill Edgar, chairman of Subsea UK, said: “Our members’ willingness to engage with each other to ensure the sector’s future expansion is vital if we are to respond to the market challenges and add real value going forward.
“Cameron and Mark bring a range of experience and viewpoints from the operators. As we approach the New Year, the focus for all of us is now on collaboration and co-operation in a major drive to boost efficiencies and find better ways of working. I am sure with their input we can look to further enhance and develop our organisation to help members meet the challenges ahead.”
Mr Mitchell, a chartered mechanical engineer, has worked for Shell in Aberdeen and internationally for 27 years. With a passion for driving performance improvement through collaboration, development of people and deployment of technology, Mr Mitchell is also the Shell UK and Ireland representative on Subsea UK’s recently-launched Subsea Asset Stewardship Group.
He said: “Even with the current oil price, the industry is operating at too high a cost base. Given the maturity of the fields and the integrity issues that come with ageing facilities, it is imperative that the industry works together to take costs out of the business without destroying longer term value. I believe there is an ongoing challenge for UK supply companies to expand overseas in the deep water sector and there are opportunities to run the supply chain more cost effectively.”
Mr Richardson’s Board appointment adds to a number of industry roles. He is leading the Co-operation, Culture and Behaviours work stream for the Efficiency Task Force for Oil and Gas UK, is a member of the ECITB Offshore Project Management Steering Committee and has recently joined the OGA Supply Chain and Exports Board.
“The world is a dynamic environment, where the speed of change is increasing,” said Mr Richardson.
“This has led to the development of new tools and techniques creating new opportunities. The oil price decline has made a complex situation more complicated, but a crisis is the best time for change.
“In order to face the challenges and maximise the opportunities, we need to invest more time and resource into management thinking and by encouraging the right culture at industry, company and individual level in order to capitalise on export opportunities across the globe.”
Mr Edgar added: “Our mission for 2016 is to make sure we are in a strong position to continue to meet industry needs and deliver a valuable service to both individual members and the subsea sector. We will continue to help companies succeed in international markets, offering expert advice, detailed market insights, local knowledge and in-country support to help secure contracts and build stronger links, both at home and overseas.
“We will also continue to represent the specific needs and issues of the subsea sector among government, industry and other stakeholders, and to add new initiatives and services which support members in their efforts to face the challenges that the next 12 months will bring.”