The new chief executive of production services firm Wood Group PSN has unveiled major international expansion plans to take the company further into lucrative coal seam gas, shale and oilsands markets.
The aspirations of Robin Watson will also see the firm’s largest operating division experience growth across the United States, western Canada, Australia, the Middle East and Caspian region.
Mr Watson succeeded Bob Keiller to become chief executive at Wood Group PSN, which has its global HQ in Aberdeen, after previously serving as the company’s UK managing director.
Mr Watson said the coal seam gas, shale and oil-sands markets would present the company, which supports more than 29,000 employees across 35 countries, with a significant opportunity to “differentiate and grow” on an international basis.
But he said the British market would remain the business’s cornerstone.
“Our UK growth will be driven by the diversification of our services, namely the expansion of our project management, commissioning and decommissioning capabilities,” Mr Watson said.
Changes to the organisational design and leadership team at WGPSN have also been a focus for Mr Watson.
“I have restructured the WGPSN business and, in line with this, expanded our divisional board,” he said.
“We have a 16-strong leadership team spread across the Eastern and Western hemisphere to promote better internationalisation.
“I have also placed a large emphasis on people with the appointment of a strategic resourcing director.”