The industry body which represents the UK’s subsea sector has appointed a new chief executive. Neil Gordon will take over the reins at Subsea UK at the beginning of July 2011.

Currently general manager of the National Hyperbaric Centre in Aberdeen, Mr Gordon has over 20 years’ management and business development experience, combined with over 10 years’ subsea experience.

During his time at the National Hyperbaric Centre he has successfully project-managed saturation diving operations and hyperbaric weld trials. Having helped develop the diving safety and subsea training and consultancy part of the business, he regularly lectures to subsea engineers and delivers training courses.

He has experience of working in India, Middle-east, Africa and Brazil and has worked with the Oil and Gas Producers diving operations sub-committee on client representative training and competency for subsea projects. He is also a member of the IMCA diving safety medical technical and training committee.

Following a business studies course at the former Aberdeen College of Commerce, Mr Gordon trained as a commercial diver and spent eight years carrying out numerous diving assignments in the UK and Norwegian waters involving new construction projects, pipeline surveys, welding and inspection with Oceaneering and other companies.

Originally from Braemar, Mr Gordon has also held director and manager level business development roles in the IT, communications and hospitality sectors.

Commenting on his appointment, Subsea UK chairman Bill Edgar said: “Neil brings a new dimension to Subsea UK. We are pleased to have secured someone who has direct subsea experience, firstly as a diver and latterly within the hyperbaric centre, but who also has diverse management experience outwith the subsea sector.

“We are confident that Neil will continue to build on Subsea UK’s services to members and enhance the reputation of the sector at home and abroad.”

Mr Gordon added: “I am honoured to be joining such a well-respected and influential industry organisation. Over the years, I have been impressed by its rapid growth in size and stature and have the highest respect for both my predecessors. My initial aim will be to build on the successes achieved to date with a focus on delivering services that meet members’ needs and promote the globalisation of the UK subsea industry.

“Subsea UK’s recent work on safety and skills is of particular interest to me and I hope to be able to make a valuable contribution in these areas as well.”

Source: subseauk ,May 11, 2011;