Eminent Aberdeen businessman and philanthropist Sir Ian Wood is to follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s top politicians and business leaders by delivering the keynote speech at the 2009 Young Professionals in Oil and Gas dinner.
The chairman of global energy services company Wood Group will discuss his experiences, spanning more than 40 years, in the global energy industry during the prestigious annual black tie charity event which takes place at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen on Thursday 8 October, 2009.
First Minister Alex Salmond, former Energy Minister Brian Wilson and Tom Smith, Managing Director of NESSCO are among the leading figures who have spoken at the dinners since its inception in 2005.
Organised by leading professional services firms Deloitte and McGrigors LLP, the fifth annual dinner marks the culmination of a series of seminars which provide an information-sharing and networking forum for young people working in the energy sector.
Guests will also hear from award winning comedian Mark Watson, star of the Radio 4 show ‘Mark Watson makes the World Substantially Better’ and frequent panellist on television quiz shows including Never mind the Buzzcocks and Mock the Week.
Louise McPherson, manager with Deloitte in Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Sir Ian’s experience to deliver the address at the 2009 Dinner. The up and coming professionals at the event will benefit greatly from hearing of Sir Ian’s hands on industry experience, his business acumen as well as his concern for, and interest in, helping others who are less fortunate than those living in the developed world. Sir Ian's contribution to the evening will provide the young professionals attending with knowledge, insight and inspiration."
Sir Ian said: “In this fast changing and uncertain environment where we are still in unchartered waters in terms of global financial upheaval, I’m looking forward to talking to the Young Professionals in our industry on the challenges ahead both in a global and regional context.”
“While providing an excellent opportunity to hear from a leader in his field, the Young Professionals Dinner is also a chance for those involved in the sector to meet with their contemporaries and debate how best to move the whole industry forward,” added Carol Preston of McGrigors.
Educated at Robert Gordon’s College, Sir Ian was CEO of global oil services firm Wood Group until 2007. Building the business up over four decades he is one of the most successful businessmen in the UK.
Despite his billionaire status, Sir Ian is renowned for his philanthropy. In 2007 The Wood Family Trust (WFT) was established by him with the help of his immediate family.
The aim of WFT is to invest £50 million into economic, community and enterprise activities in Sub Sahara Africa and the UK over the next 5 – 10 years.
For information on tables for the 2009 Dinner, contact Lee Jobson on 01224 847305.
Posted by Online Data on 02 July 2009 10:34
Location Aberdeen
Category Events
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