Robert Gordon University (RGU) has announced two key appointments to its Oil and Gas Institute
Peter Howell has been named as the new Drilling & Wells Excellence Manager, with Kevin Docherty being appointed as the Institute’s Commercial Manager.
Peter joins RGU from TAQA, where he was Wells Manager, and brings with him more than 30 years of extensive drilling, well engineering, operations, supply chain, leadership and business management experience in the oil and gas industry.
A Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Peter has worked in several countries, in a wide range of roles with operators, drilling contractors and well management companies including BP, Noble Drilling and Applied Drilling Technology International (ADTI).
Peter said: “I am delighted to be joining RGU and I am keen to strengthen the connections between the university and the oil and gas industry, particularly the Wells sector.
“There is tremendous knowledge and expertise within RGU and I will be focusing on how we work together to help the industry with its current challenges”.”
Kevin was previously Business Acquisition Lead with Saipem’s Sonsub division in Aberdeen and holds an MSc in Oil and Gas Management from the University of St Andrews and a MA in International Relations from the University of Aberdeen. Before joining Saipem in 2013, Kevin gained significant market analysis experience with CEONA Offshore and Calash Ltd.
Kevin said: “I am delighted to be joining the oil and gas institute at this exciting time. I have great respect for the university and its success connecting higher education with industry.
“RGU boasts a tremendous internal resource and an enviable reputation. I look forward to supporting the efforts to expand and commercialise its offering through this appointment.”
Professor Paul de Leeuw, Director of RGU’s Oil and Gas Institute, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Peter and Kevin to RGU and particularly to these two key positions within the Oil and Gas Institute.
“The Institute provides a vital link between the oil and gas industry and RGU’s teaching and research staff, and we are excited about the experience Peter and Kevin will bring to these roles.”
He added: “While the oil and gas industry is facing a challenging time, it is vital that we continue to invest in its future and these are the first in a number of positions that we are recruiting for at the Institute.
“RGU is well established as a leader in oil and gas teaching, training, innovation and research and now, more than ever, we must react to the needs of the industry and ensure that we play our part in maximising the economic recovery of the UK Continental Shelf.”