OPITO, The Oil & Gas Academy, has appointed a new Managing Director ¬-- Dave Binnie. The Aberdeen headquartered center is now targeting further development following a restructuring program.

David Doig, recently appointed CEO of OPITO Group, believes bringing in the highly experienced Binnie will enable The Academy to further exceed domestic targets.

"Dave's appointment will enhance our UK business and support the industry as we embark on the next stage in the oil and gas industry development," said David.

"His experience and track record in the industry will provide us with increased capability as we drive to provide the industry with a highly skilled and safe workforce now and in the future."

Binnie has more than 25 years experience in the oil and gas industry and joins The Academy in his new role following a successful spell in Abu Dhabi with BP.

He leaves his post in the Middle East after leading the development of the world’s first industrial scale plant to deliver low carbon power with carbon capture and storage capabilities.

Binnie, who has an engineering degree and an MBA, started his career as an engineering apprentice with BP in the early 1980s before successfully embarking on his path through the company.

During his extensive oil and gas career he has held a number of influential roles ranging from asset operations, major project delivery, commodity trading management and business development posts in upstream gas and alternative energy.

He said, "I'm really looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead with The Academy. It is a company with a strong and growing track record and I look forward to adding to that.

"Our industry and our country face major challenges around the energy sector such as security of supply, environmental stewardship and economic health. The oil and gas industry and The Academy have a critical role to play in meeting these challenges.

"The Oil & Gas Academy, clearly enhances the skills of the oil and gas workforce. We also have a key role to play in representing the industry within government and education to assure future capability."

Tags: OPITO