News

Board appointment brings valuable transition expertise

Petrofac’s New Energy Services Chief joins the OGUK board, bringing valuable experience to the oil and gas industry transition to low carbon energy.

John Pearson, chief operating officer of Petrofac’s New Energy Services business is the latest industry leader to join OGUK’s board as it focuses on accelerating the industry’s efforts to deliver low carbon energy to the UK.

With overall accountability for growing Petrofac’s global portfolio in low carbon projects including wind, hydrogen, Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS), John also leads initiatives that convert waste to energy. Previously he led Petrofac’s global operations and brownfield projects business and was the company’s chief corporate development officer, responsible for driving transformation of activities to support the energy transition including technology and engineering. Prior to this, he spent 28 years in senior management roles at Amec Foster Wheeler and 5 years at Chevron.

John is also co-chair of the Oil and Gas Authority’s Supply Chain & Exports Taskforce, which brings together industry trade associations, Government and regulators to support the economic recovery of the UK’s supply chain whilst supporting the Government’s drive to deliver net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Driving the conversation

John Pearson said: “The UK supply chain has been setting standards across the global energy stage for decades. As our sector accelerates the decarbonisation of existing energy infrastructure and adopts new, low-carbon technologies, the transition provides fantastic opportunities for our people and businesses alike. Industry bodies like OGUK do a great job of driving the conversation and collaboration needed to bring these new opportunities to life. I’m truly delighted to be joining the team and supporting these efforts”

Deirdre Michie OBE, OGUK’s chief executive, commented: “John’s expertise in leading Petrofac’s fast-expanding portfolio of new energy projects including offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and solar will be a great asset to the OGUK board.  Our industry is accelerating the transition from oil and gas toward low carbon energy alternatives as part of the North Sea Transition Deal it agreed with the Government last year. The highly skilled people in our industry will be key to delivering a successful energy transition at pace, while maintaining the country’s energy security and contributing significantly to the UK economy.”