Wood Group PSN (WGPSN) has appointed a new chief financial officer (CFO). David Kemp joins Wood Group's largest division from Trapoil, an independent E&P company where he was financial director. He replaces Duncan Skinner, who is retiring from the industry.
Born in Thurso, in the Scottish Highlands, Mr Kemp is a chartered accountant who started his career with Price Waterhouse (now PwC) in 1992. This preceded a decade with Amerada Hess in roles spanning operations, finance, commercial and planning in the UK. Following this he led Simmons Co International's exploration and production (E&P) team in Aberdeen, before taking up the role of CFO North Sea and Canada for Technip S.A.
In 2008 he founded Trapoil, alongside three other directors. He held the role of non-executive chairman for more than three years. In March 2011, when Trapoil floated on AIM, raising £60million (GBP), Mr Kemp became financial director. He was responsible for leading the acquisition of Reach Oil and Gas, interests in the Athena field, and Knockinnon, Orchid and Trent East discoveries. During this time, the company also drilled four wells, making two discoveries.
As CFO of WGPSN's global business, Mr Kemp, an Aberdeen University graduate, is responsible for all aspects of the company's finance, administration, commercial, IT, real estate and legal services. His appointment was effective April 15, 2013. He reports directly to WGPSN's chief executive, Robin Watson.
Speaking about this appointment, Mr Watson said: "David's operations and financial experience in managing large oil & gas portfolios, coupled with his entrepreneurial knowledge of the global trade and acquisitions market, makes him a highly skilled and respected financial professional.
"My vision for WGPSN centres on growth in regions such as the United States, Western Canada, the Caspian, Australia and of course the UK. Expansion into new markets and the extension of our services portfolio will play a key part in achieving this. David has the experience, skills and attributes to lead and influence the realisation of our growth plans. He is a highly valuable addition to our leadership team."
Mr Kemp lives in Aberdeen with his wife Ann and three daughters.