Subsea UK Holds Election to Appoint Board Members

Subsea UK has unveiled its new Board after the industry body held its biennial election following an unprecedented number of member nominations.

The members' ballot, which was held at Subsea UK's annual general meeting (AGM), resulted in one new Board member being appointed and nine re-elected members.

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Subsea UK, said: 'The UK subsea industry has had an exceptional year with unprecedented growth which puts it in a strong position as we look forward to a new year. The fact that Subsea UK had a significant number of Board candidates underpins this. It serves to highlight the importance of the subsea sector and our members' drive to engage with each other to ensure the sector's future expansion.

'Activity is continuing to evolve and with an increase projected into 2012, Subsea UK wants to help members exploit new opportunities particularly in emerging overseas markets. I welcome all members of the new Board who I am sure will each play a key role in helping companies meet the wider challenges as we enter this period of significant growth.'

The Subsea UK members' ballot was held after Board nominees were given the chance to highlight their key issues and industry initiatives in the run up to the AGM. They identified common themes including skills shortages, international markets and joined up working within the subsea sector.

Newly elected member Denise Smiles of OMS said continued investment in technology and innovation was key to tackling the main challenges facing the global subsea industry over the next three years: 'The current market share in the oil and gas industry of UK-based companies stands at approximately one third. Up until now, subsea innovation and strategic investment in technical research and development have proved critical in growing that share over the years.

'Our challenge, as companies, is to grow market share and secure our place in the industry as innovators that the market follows. The industry is continually building on, and improving existing practise to enhance safety. That requires on-going assessment, communication, co-operation and improvements across companies and countries. This needs to continue and must be at the forefront of everything we do.'

Subsea UK's Board members for 2012 are:

• Frank Bee, Shell
• Ian Mitchell, BP
• Tim Sheehan, Rotech
• Dr Patrick O'Brien, MCS Kenny
• John Mair, Subsea 7
• Alan Nicol, Nautronix
• Denise Smiles, OMS
• Geoff Fisher, Technip Offshore Wind
• Fraser Moonie, Bibby Offshore
• Geoff Lyons, BPP-Tech

Brian Green of First Subsea and Andrew Hodgson of SMD are seconded to the Board to represent regional branches in the North West and North East.

Bill Cattanach of DECC, Jim Davis of Scottish Enterprise and Neil Poxon of ITF represent their respective organisations on the board.