
Ecosse Subsea Systems has appointed Mark Gillespie as managing director in a move which positions the subsea technology company for significant growth over the next five years.
Gillespie has more than 25 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry, holding senior technical, commercial and contract management roles in Technip, CSL, GE Oil & Gas, Centrica and Talisman.
Most recently he was managing director of Aberdeen-based engineering and project management consultancy PDi Ltd.
Banchory-based ESS has patented a range of tools which are used in seabed clearance, route preparation, trenching, backfill, pipelay, decommissioning and cable lay operations, and which are adaptable for hydrocarbon, power generation and renewables projects.
ESS founder Mike Wilson said: “We are bucking the trend and the business is on an upward curve.
“However, we have recognised that for ESS to fulfil its potential we needed to broaden our core management team and Mark has impeccable credentials which will enhance our reputation and add value to clients.
“I will remain very much part of the day-to-day business but will have the freedom to concentrate on improving client relationships and in leading the development of technologies which are relevant to our traditional oil and gas sector clients and the emerging renewables sector.”

Meanwhile, HTL Group – the controlled bolting OEM – has recruited two new business development executives in Scotland.
Wendy Bendel has been appointed as Business Development Manager while David Rainford joins as OEM Business Development Director.
With a background in business development and key account management for the oil and gas sector, Bendel was previously business development manager at Enermech, while Rainford previously spent 15 years in the hydraulics industry.