Dr John Wils, Director of the UK’s Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), has been made an Honorary Professor by the University of Aberdeen.
He takes up his new appointment in the University’s Department of Management Studies immediately, where he will act as an adviser on oil and gas related matters.
Dr Wils studied Mechanical Engineering at Staffordshire College of Technology. He started his oil industry career with Shell International in 1968, subsequently working with ARCO British, the Hamilton Brothers and BHP Petroleum. In 1996, he was appointed Director, Operations and Technical Affairs, at UKOOA.
A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers, he was awarded the degree of Honorary Doctor of Technology by the Robert Gordon University in 1994. He also holds an Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool’s John Moores University.
“At a time when the UK oil and gas industry must investigate all ways of improving its competitive position on the world stage, it is absolutely vital that we harness the skills and resources of the universities, as well as those of the other higher education institutions throughout the UK,” said Dr Wils.
“There is a vast wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience in universities, which has remained largely untapped, and I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues in the University of Aberdeen to develop closer, more productive links between academe and industry.”
Dr Wils has worked closely with the University in the past and has contributed on an annual basis to the Oil and Gas Overviews organised by the Vocational Training Unit.
Professor Graeme Simpson, Head of the Department of Management Studies, said: “We have a very active research group in the Departments of Management Studies and Economics, which focuses on oil and gas issues, primarily Petroleum Economics and Decision Making.
“Dr Wils has been very supportive of these efforts, and very effective in helping us direct our activities towards those issues which are of greatest importance to the industry. His appointment will make the links between us even closer and more productive.”
University Principal C Duncan Rice said: “I was delighted to be able to offer Dr Wils this appointment.
“Since taking up the role of Director of UKOOA, he has been an effective and enthusiastic advocate and representative of the industry. He is also highly respected by his fellow professionals in the industry and those of us who work closely with him.”
Further information:
Dr John Wils, Director of UKOOA, (01224) 626652
Alison Ramsay, University Press Office, (01224) 273778
NOTE TO EDITORS: PHOTOGRAPHS OF DR WILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM HIS OFFICE ON (01224) 626652