The Policy Chamber

Born and brought up in Aberdeen, Russell came home to head up the Chamber of Commerce in 2016 after a period of more than 20 years living and working in the ‘other’ North-east…. of England. During this time, he worked on a number of key development and regeneration projects that supported the reinvention of that region’s economy.

Immediately before returning, Russell was managing partner of a global marketing agency network based in Newcastle. Prior to this he had a spell as regional managing director for Reach plc’s North-east of England newspaper and digital division after founding and growing media, research and communications agency, Press Ahead, over a ten-year period.

Chambers of Commerce sit at the heart of local business communities across the UK and beyond. Offering unrivalled expertise, networks and connections and bringing thousands of companies of every size and sector together to thrive and grow. And AGCC is the largest Chamber in Scotland and one of the most active and influential in the land.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber is known for doing and not just talking. The ‘go-to’ place when positive action is needed, acting as the voice of business, ensuring good stuff happens, delivering results and making a positive difference for the business community of our city region.

Russell also represents AGCC and its 1,200+ member companies on various Boards and development forums including Opportunity North-east, the NE Investment Zone Steering Group and the Regional Economic Partnership to help realise the aims of the Chamber and his personal passion for making North-east Scotland an even better place to live, work, study, visit, invest and do business. Creating a place we can be proud of for future generations. Achieving collectively what we could not individually.

Ryan joined AGCC in 2021 after seven years supporting the UK expansion of a leading Scottish law firm.

He is responsible for promoting the Chamber’s full suite of activities and developing new ways to communicate these to its 1,000+ members and the wider regional business community. He also leads on the vital policy, lobbying and campaign work the Chamber does on behalf of members.

Ryan is a co-founder and director of Sovereign Grooming, the luxury barbering brand with city centre salons in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Prior to his move into business, he enjoyed a successful, decade-long media career, holding the positions of chief reporter and latterly business editor at The Press & Journal. He was named Young Journalist of the Year at the Scottish Press Awards in 2009 and Business Journalist of the Year in 2014.

He has also been a director and board member at Aberdeen Inspired since 2018 and was elected as the organisation’s vice-chairman in the summer of 2021.

Fergus works with the Chamber as a Policy Adviser to ensure the region’s business voices are heard at the highest levels of government.

In recent years, the Chamber has spoken up loudly on behalf of business, pointing out the damaging impact on many companies of public health policies.

As we emerge from the pandemic period, it’s vital that we return to a position where we can help to design good policy rather than calling out bad. Fergus will provide a crucial bridge for that work

Between 2015 and 2020, Fergus was the SNP’s Head of Communications and Research during an intense political period covering five elections and the Brexit referendum.

He was brought up in Old Aberdeen and went on to study law at the University of Glasgow and University College London.

Heather graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 2009 with an MA(Hons) in Economics.

She then spent five years working in the third sector organising a range of fundraising events including biathlons, white water rafting, abseils and driving challenges. Following that, Heather moved into politics and for the last seven years has worked for a high-profile local MSP, running the office for the last five, dealing with policy and handling the casework.

Audrey is marketing and brand manager for Opportunity North East (ONE), a private sector catalyst driving transformational change in North-east Scotland's economy. ONE develops and delivers projects to accelerate regional economic diversification and energy transition and helps businesses in the key industry sectors of digital, energy, food, drink, agriculture and fishing, life sciences and tourism, to develop and grow at home and internationally.

Her career began in the food and drink industry, both in the private and public sector. Having spent significant time with Scottish Enterprise working across food and drink, energy and tourism, she moved into the energy sector, working with BP and latterly with the Oil & Gas Innovation Centre before joining ONE.

Charlotte works for SSEN Transmission as an External Relations Manager. Prior to that, Charlotte worked for Storegga (formerly Pale Blue Dot Energy), the lead developer of the Acorn CCS and Hydrogen Project and the Scottish Cluster. Charlotte co-chairs AREG's (Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group) young professionals network (YPN) and is a former Trustee of 2050 Climate Group and represented the Group on the first iteration of the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Commission and the IPPR Environmental Justice Commission.

Born in Aberdeen and educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, Colin followed his father into the family business Langstane Press and became managing director in 1987. Langstane have since developed beyond Aberdeen and are the largest company of its kind in Scotland.

He is a burgess of the City of Aberdeen, a past president of the Rotary Club of Aberdeen, a part president of the Aberdeen Association of Royal Warrant Holders and a Liveryman of The Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers in London.

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As Managing Director for Scotland, Duncan leads both the Aberdeen and Glasgow businesses.

Duncan started his career with First as a graduate trainee in 2001. After working in a variety of roles in London and Essex he returned to the north-east and held Operations Director and Managing Director posts with First Aberdeen. After a short period working with Arr Craib in the haulage industry, Duncan re-joined returned to First Glasgow in 2016, the company’s largest operating company where he oversaw huge growth and commercial success during his tenure leading to his promotion to Interim Managing Director of First Bus in Scotland in May 2021.

Duncan was formally appointed as Managing Director of First Bus Scotland in January 2022 and is responsible for more than 2,500 employees across six operating locations in Scotland.

Fergus is bp’s government affairs advisor, responsible for engaging with governments regarding operations in the North Sea as well as other projects in Scotland.

Previously, Fergus was at Charlotte Street Partners working with clients across all industries in Scotland, and before that working in the Scottish Parliament for Kate Forbes MSP.

Findlay is a Partner in the Corporate / Energy team of Gilson Gray – one of the fasted growing law firms in the UK. With over 20 years’ experience in the Energy / Oil & Gas industry and 14 years in international in-house leadership positions, Findlay has a wealth of experience advising companies and leadership teams on a vast array of issues impacting business globally and locally.

Until March 2023, Findlay was General Counsel of a number of the global businesses within Baker Hughes. With particular specialism overseeing operations on complex infrastructure projects, Findlay has advised leadership teams and businesses on issues ranging from high value EPCI projects and supply chain negotiations to government relations, joint ventures and localisation.

He has also spent years leading global and local teams in Crisis Management, Enterprise Risk and Diversity and Inclusion, winning multiple industry awards in the process. Findlay currently chairs the Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) Diversity & Inclusion Task Group.

Frank has worked in hospitality since the age of 16, experiencing just about every role the industry has to offer. Currently general manager of the Park Inn by Radison, Frank is also vice-chair of the Aberdeen City & Shire Hotels Association, a UK Hospitality Scotland Committee member, and director of Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre BID.

Frank actively lobbies on non-domestic rates, tourism levy, the potential impact of the Government's Skills Based Immigration White Paper and engages with both Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council on NDR, tourism levy and the City' Local Development Plan.

Park Inn by Radison Aberdeen and Harlaw Academy have a strategic partnership in conjunction with DYW North East.

Graeme is a passionate advocate for the digital technology sector and its impact on businesses in the UK and beyond. With a strong belief in the potential of digital technology, Graeme actively promotes the people and companies within the industry, recognising the difference they make to organisations.

Jenny is OGUK’s external relations director, responsible for stakeholder engagement, membership and events for the organisation. OGUK is the leading representation body for the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry.

Previously Jenny was head of press and leader’s press secretary for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Based in the Scottish Parliament she worked with the party through the last months of the Lib/Lab Executive, the first minority SNP Parliament and part of the coalition government at Westminster, before moving north to Aberdeen. Outside work, Jenny enjoys running, cycling and skiing and spending time with her husband and three daughters.

Currently Head of Business Development – Energy Transition at Peterhead Port Authority, Keith has accumulated experience working across different industry sectors.

An Aberdonian, he has worked in a variety of documentation and IT support roles for companies including Chevron, McDermott, Aker, Amerada Hess and Acergy, before moving into a technology facilitation role with The Industry Technology Facilitator (ITF) in 2007.

During 11 years with ITF, Keith carried out roles as Technology Manager, Operations Director and Director Strategic Projects and International Development. From 2018, Keith worked as SME Development and Energy Supply Chain Manager, firstly with Opportunity North East and then with ETZ Ltd – leading projects on Decommissioning and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction, before joining Peterhead Port Authority in 2022.

Keith currently has responsibility for growing the energy side of PPA’s business, with specific focus on the transition towards offshore wind, carbon capture and storage and hydrogen as well as maintaining current oil and gas related activity.

Laura is VisitAberdeenshire’s Head of Communications and leads the Marketing and Communications team. Day-to-day, Laura works with journalists in the UK to promote Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as a visitor destination. She also works with business and news desks to respond to breaking news.

Laura has more than 12 years’ experience including roles in journalism, in-house communications, PR agency and third sector expertise, and most recently before joining VisitAberdeenshire led the communications activity at Aberdeen International Airport. Laura is a chartered PR practitioner from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, one of only 400 in the UK.

Lee McCann joined Aberdeen International Airport in 2019 after a successful career as a journalist in the North East, working for both Aberdeen Journals and Johnston Press. As the Communications Manager, he oversees public affairs, PR, and stakeholder engagement for Aberdeen International Airport, while also developing and managing the media relations strategy.

Notably, Lee played a pivotal role in the airport’s response to Her Majesty the Queen’s passing, with the world’s media converging on the airport. He also has led notable visits to including a former US President. Additionally, he leads the Charity Management Group, actively involved in organising events like the Midnight Runway Run.

With over two decades of experience in the sport and leisure industry, Ludwik is dedicated to promoting the importance of physical activity on your health and well-being. Ludwik is the Director of Business & Governance at Aberdeen Sports Village, the premier sports venue in Scotland, hosting an array of world-class facilities. Ludwik has played a pivotal role in enhancing the venue's reputation as a top sporting destination within Scotland and the UK.

Having studied and worked in Aberdeen for the majority of their career, Ludwik brings a wealth of local knowledge and a deep commitment to the community. Their expertise encompasses business development, project management, continuous improvement, facility management, and community engagement, ensuring that Aberdeen Sports Village remains a beacon of excellence in sports and leisure.

Throughout their career, Ludwik has demonstrated a passion for fostering a positive and inclusive environment, making sport and exercise accessible to all within the City of Aberdeen and across the wider region.

Marianne was Director of Strategic Land and Planning of Stewart Milne Group where she worked for nearly two decades. Prior to this she worked in private practice as a Chartered Town Planner. She is also Joint Chair of the Grampian Homebuilders Committee of Homes for Scotland.

Marianne moved to the North-east of Scotland in 1999 and considers the area as home. She is passionate about the area and wants to contribute to the growth of the North-east through the provision of homes and infrastructure in the right places.

Moira is an RICS chartered surveyor and director at CBRE, a global property services company. Located primarily in Aberdeen, she provides advice to ratepayers in the public and private sectors including; developers, investment funds, and local and national businesses.

Having grown up in the area, Moira is passionate about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and hopes that her position in the Aberdeen &Grampian Chamber of Commerce Policy Council will assist in making the region become an even better place to live and do business.

Moray is a tax partner at EY based in Aberdeen who will primarily serve the energy sector. He has more than 20 years of experience supporting clients with complex tax issues across a diverse range of sectors, predominately oil and gas.

Moray studied law at the University of Aberdeen and has worked within the Big 4 professional services firms since graduating. He is a Burgess of the city of Aberdeen, chair of Castlegate Arts (which operates the Aberdeen Arts Centre) and he is passionate about championing the North-east of Scotland as a place to live and work.

Murray Whittaker is currently director of projects at Whittaker Engineering Ltd. He began his career at RollsWoodGroup (RWG) as an apprentice gas turbine technician before moving to an independent Rolls-Royce gas turbine company where he worked as a field service rep, traveling and working both offshore in the UKCS and internationally. He then progressed to project engineering position.

Murray is the second generation of his family working in the oil and gas sector with 20 years’ experience. He joined Whittaker in 2011 as a project engineer before progressing to director of projects, looking after the UK business and operations in Mexico. Murray now as a predominantly client-facing role, using his practical field experience.tp help run major projects for Whittaker. He is a GlobalScot and is based in Aberdeenshire, also supporting local schools with STEM events.

I manage a team responsible for developing and delivering commercial events, professional development and conferences from the University to external audiences. Projects are varied e.g. short courses, bespoke commissioned provision, research dissemination, conferences (in person, hybrid and virtual) e-learning and Postgraduate qualifications. The team also provide services to external organisations including other HEIs and commercial companies.

I have a keen interest in my own professional development and recently undertook a Global Leadership course with Curtin University in Australia; I am a workplace coach and am about to embark on an International Coaching Federation course to enhance my coaching skills further.

I represent the University in a range of settings e.g. on the Scottish Universities Group, a sector-wide association; Aberdeen City Council’s Event 365 group and as a member of the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO).

In my spare time I am a keen gardener and motorcyclist.

Ryan is CEO of Thistle Seafoods, who are one of the largest family-owned manufacturers of quality seafood products in Europe. Thistle supply outstanding products at every price point to leading retail and food service customers within the UK, Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. Their Head Office and centre of excellence for coated products is based in Peterhead in the North-East of Scotland, and a second site based in Uddingston in the outskirts of Glasgow, is their distribution centre and centre of excellence for value added products.

Ryan studied business at Heriot-Watt university before qualifying as an accountant and working in the oil & gas industry before returning to the family business which he has been involved in for over 20 years. A passionate Aberdonian, keen to see the North East continue to thrive, highlighting its unique attractions that make it a fantastic place to live, work and make your business flourish.

Sharon Burgess is a seasoned arts executive with a global perspective, currently serving as the Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts, a charitable organisation responsible for the operation of three key city centre venues in Aberdeen: the Music Hall, His Majesty’s Theatre, and the Lemon Tree. Aberdeen Performing Arts is also behind several prominent festivals, such as Granite Noir, Rise Up, Eat the Rich, and Light the Blue youth arts festival.

Before her role at Aberdeen Performing Arts, Sharon held the position of Chief Executive at ARTRAGE, a non-profit cultural organisation based in Perth, Western Australia. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in steering the organisation through the tumultuous period of the Covid-19 pandemic, ultimately leading ARTRAGE to a position of stability and strength, poised for continued success and delivering lasting positive impacts on the Western Australia community.

A passionate Aberdonian, Steven has shown his commitment to the region with more than 20 years’ service with the Scottish Fisherman Federations (SFF Services). Steven is currently managing director of SFF Services Limited.