{"id":57857,"title":"Harbour Energy appoints new UK managing director as leadership changes continue","publisher":"Stockmark.IT","author":"Stockmark.IT Website","published":"2026-08-29T09:06:42+00:00","modified":"2026-08-29T09:06:42+00:00","canonical_url":"https://stockmark.it/power-moves-harbour-energys-new-uk-managing-director/","markdown_url":"https://stockmark.it/power-moves-harbour-energys-new-uk-managing-director.md","json_url":"https://stockmark.it/power-moves-harbour-energys-new-uk-managing-director.json","category":"Business","categories":["Business","Companies","Energy"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/harbour-energy-appoints-new-uk-managing-director-as.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"Harbour Energy has announced a significant leadership transition within its United Kingdom operations, promoting Graeme Davies to the role of managing director. Davies will assume the position on 1 October, succeeding Scott Barr, who is relocating to Mexico to lead the company’s business in that region. This move marks a substantial shift in the company’s senior management structure, with Davies stepping up from his current role as executive vice-president for carbon capture and storage. The appointment underscores the firm’s commitment to maintaining operational excellence and strategic focus in its largest operated business unit.\n\nBarr, who is departing the UK role, will become the managing director of Harbour’s Mexico business, with his relocation to Mexico City scheduled for 1 November. In a statement, Harbour Energy chief operating officer Nigel Hearne praised Davies as a highly respected leader with a strong track record of delivery. Hearne noted that the appointment ensures a continued focus on safe and efficient production, operational excellence, and cost discipline. He added that these changes reflect the depth of talent within the company and position both the UK and Mexican businesses strongly for the future. Barr, writing on professional social media, highlighted the significant opportunities ahead for the Mexican business while affirming his continued focus on leading the UK unit until his departure. He acknowledged the challenges faced by UK teams in recent years, including external headwinds, while emphasising their commitment to safe operations and responsible stewardship.\n\nIn related industry developments, Dales Marine Services, an Aberdeen-based specialist in dry dock and ship repair, has expanded its leadership team with three new appointments. Richard Reid has joined as head of operations, where he will work closely with director of operations Stuart McLeod to manage day-to-day performance across the company’s sites. Reid brings over two decades of experience, including leadership roles at Integrity ISS and Sparrows Group, and will be responsible for operational planning and resource allocation. Stuart Brodie has been appointed as head of commercial, tasked with developing new tender processes to drive commercialisation and secure new projects in Scotland and internationally. Additionally, Gemma Neal has joined as marketing manager to oversee the company’s marketing strategy. Dales Marine Services CEO Kevin Paterson stated that these appointments will support smooth operations and consistent commercial growth, ensuring high standards of work and effective communication with stakeholders.\n\nAberdeen-based risk consultancy Marex has also strengthened its technical team by appointing two new safety consultants. Beth McIntosh joins as a technical safety and human factors consultant, bringing eight years of experience from her previous role as a quality, health, safety, and environment advisor at Archer. Kieran Whyte has been appointed as a technical safety consultant, having previously worked as a functional safety engineer at Fulcrum Industrial Services. Marex managing director Wayne Henderson said the combined experience of McIntosh and Whyte will bring fresh perspectives and valuable industry insight, supporting the company’s strategic goal of helping clients manage risk and improve human performance.\n\nFurther leadership changes were announced by the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association, which appointed Ken Mackness as its new chief executive. Mackness will join the organisation on 1 September, undertaking a handover with current chief executive Ken Cronin. Cronin will remain with the association in a newly created role as director of public affairs, leveraging his industry knowledge and relationships with government and regulatory stakeholders. Mackness brings extensive executive leadership experience from various membership organisations and trade bodies, most recently serving as managing director of the Independent Doctors Federation. UKIFDA president Stephen Rhodes described Mackness as an outstanding candidate with significant experience in leading membership organisations and navigating complex policy environments.\n\nIn the financial sector, NatWest has appointed Stuart Dearden as head of natural resources, renewables and utilities within its commercial and institutional business. Dearden, who joined the bank over a decade ago, will work with customers across the energy sectors to support their positioning for the energy transition. Previously, he led strategic investment activity focused on high-growth fintech companies. NatWest head of national sectors Jonathan Barrow noted that Dearden’s expertise will enhance the bank’s ability to provide financing solutions and strategic guidance to clients navigating the evolving energy landscape.\n\nFinally, the Young Professional Green Energy Awards 2026, organised by Scottish Renewables, recognised several individuals for their contributions to the renewable energy sector. Elyse Millard from Orbital Marine Power won the Analyst Award for developing engineering tools that improve tidal stream technology performance. Natalie Leader at Natural Power received the Communicator Award for championing community engagement in renewable energy. Aaron Hannah from Synergie Environ was awarded the Engineer Award for leading feasibility work on a biomass combined heat and power system, while Morgan Darroch from Ecocel Services received the Judges Award for her initiative in building a career in health, safety, environment, and quality."}