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.

Eilidh works with the Chamber as a Policy advisor, providing in-depth analysis and advice.

As a former MP — she represented Banff and Buchan for over seven years — her insights are shaped by wide-ranging political experience, research skills and knowledge of parliamentary processes at both Westminster and Holyrood.

Coming soon....

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.

Chris leads the VisitAberdeenshire team that is focussed on growing the North-east visitor economy through effective marketing and product development for both leisure and conference sectors. He works with stakeholders across the region and country, drawing from 30 years’ experience in diverse roles in the tourism sector and in Whitehall.

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.

Donna joined Aberdeen Cyrenians in 2022, initially as Head of Corporate and Business Services.

Having previously led a profitable and sustainable consultancy business in the energy industry with a focus on risk, compliance, and sustainability, Donna has a proven track record in successful business development as well as coaching and mentoring colleagues.

As a member of the Institute of Directors and Business Women Connections Aberdeen and a serving panel member and Chair of the Aberdeen City Region of Children’s Hearings Scotland, Donna has a significant network and profile in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

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.

Jenny joined ONE in March 2025 to take up the new role of Director of ONE Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement. She was previously External Relations Director at OEUK, where she was responsible for leading the external affairs, events, and membership teams. Prior to joining OEUK, Jenny worked in politics and stakeholder management for 15 years, including some time in the Scottish Parliament.

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.

Kirstie is Global Business Development Director at Project Development International (PDi), an Aberdeen-headquartered engineering and project delivery consultancy supporting the energy sector across subsea, topsides and decommissioning.

With a particularly strong track record in securing complex North Sea projects, Kirstie plays a key role in driving PDi’s growth and building strategic partnerships across operators and the wider supply chain. She has experience working both offshore and internationally, with operations and business development track record spanning the UK, Europe and the Americas.

Her experience covers commercial activities, project delivery and alliance leadership, with a particular focus on integrated, collaborative approaches to engineering challenges and effective stakeholder management across complex multidisciplinary environments.

Kirstie is an active and well-recognised voice within the UK energy sector, regularly engaging across industry, political and public platforms to advocate for the North-east of Scotland and its supply chain. She is an experienced moderator and event host, known for facilitating open, balanced and insightful discussion across industry forums. 

Alongside her commercial role, she works closely with third sector organisations on workforce wellbeing, with a particular focus on suicide prevention and mental health in offshore and remote environments, and is passionate about supporting future talent through engagement with young people and leadership of women in energy networks.

Kirstie studied Petroleum Production Technology earlier in her career while working offshore, and more recently completed leadership studies at Cranfield University.

She brings a commercially grounded, regionally focused perspective to the Policy Chamber, with a strong emphasis on supporting sustainable economic growth, workforce resilience and a just, deliverable energy transition.

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 is a planning and land consultant with Berryhill Land and Planning Ltd. Prior that she was Director of Strategic Land and Planning at the Stewart Milne Group where she worked for almost two decades.

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 delivery of development and infrastructure in the right places.

Michael Love is an experienced leader, non-executive director, and energy industry professional with nearly 15 years’ experience spanning the marine, oil and gas, and offshore renewables sectors. He holds Honours and Masters degrees from the University of Aberdeen.

Across his career, Michael has delivered programmes in multiple countries and held roles focused on project execution, policy development, consultancy, stakeholder engagement, strategic growth, regulation and legislation, and quality assurance. He has worked with a range of organisations to shape workforce capability, industry standards, and the wider skills ecosystem.

In his current role at OPITO – the global skills body for safety-critical industries – Michael leads engagement with international governments and industry, oversees labour-market intelligence and research functions, and is accountable for the organisation’s Advisory Services portfolio.

He also serves as a Board Member of NCFE, the Newcastle-based awarding organisation operating across the healthcare, social care, and sport and fitness sectors, where he sits on the Audit, Risk and Investment Committee.

Michael maintains memberships of the Chartered Quality Institute and Institute of Directors, sits on IOGP’s European Committee, the All-Energy Exhibition and Conference Strategic Committee, and is a member of GB Energy’s North East Taskforce.

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.

Since March 2020, Paul has worked as Strategy Manager at Nestans, the North East’s regional transport partnership. With a particular interest in the intersection of transport planning, land-use planning and economic development, Paul has supported the transport elements of the Aberdeen City Region Deal since 2016. Paul also has a particular interest in rural accessibility issues, health and transport, and scheme appraisal. In 2020 he was delighted to witness the re-opening of Kintore Station, a project which he’d led through scheme development since 2014.

Paul previously worked in private transport consultancy, and was involved in projects ranging from the appraisal of the Queensferry Crossing, Central Belt rail links, Heathrow expansion, school travel plans, and walking/cycling network development. He currently chairs the Transportation working group hosted by Scottish Collaboration of Transport Specialists (SCOTS).

As Public Affairs Manager at the University of Aberdeen, Phil oversees public affairs activities at one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities.

Phil is a former UK Labour & Co-operative politician with significant local government experience. As Leader of the City of Cardiff Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, he led a successful three-year turnaround plan, taking Cardiff to top quartile council performance in Wales and served as both Chair and Vice-Chair during government negotiations which secured the £1.28bn Cardiff Capital Region City Deal. He took Cardiff into the UK Core Cities Group, serving for almost three years as the Core Cities Cabinet lead for Culture and Sport, and was the Welsh Local Government Association’s Spokesperson on European Affairs in the period immediately after the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Phil has been a member of numerous boards and governance committees, including YHA England & Wales, Millenium Stadium plc and Cardiff Bus, one of a handful of council-owned bus companies in the UK.

An experienced retail owner/manager in the fashion, healthcare and gift sectors, Rosemary began her studies with a Science degree at Edinburgh University followed by a Masters in Marketing at Robert Gordons University. She then joined the Shell graduate fast-track program, working with the business consultancy team on a wide range of projects. A deep-rooted passion for the family business – Charles Michies Pharmacies and Country Ways (clothing retailer) – found her returning to the North-East to work in the business, alongside a startup specialising in outdoor events and adventure tourism. Her skills set includes buying, marketing, ecomms, social media and events. Passionate about promoting Aberdeen city, shire and the wider region.

Mum to a little boy, various dogs and horses! Keen equestrian, countryside enthusiast and aspiring gardener.

Ryan is a founder of Apollo Engineering Consultants (Apollo), and currently sits on the Board of Directors where he is responsible for business growth, strategy and company culture. Apollo is a leading engineering and energy advisory consultancy working across hydrogen and carbon capture, offshore renewables, nuclear and oil and gas sectors. Established in 2010, Apollo has over 160 personnel with offices in Aberdeen, Bristol, Edinburgh, Anglesey, Chester, and Nottingham.

His career began in academia, working as a researcher, tutor and part-time lecturer at the University of Glasgow, before moving to Aberdeen 25 years ago. Here he worked for Prospect Flow Solutions, an international engineering consultancy business, progressing through various roles and eventually leading the business as UK Managing Director.

Outside of work, Ryan keeps busy playing golf and keeping fit, and spending time with his wife, three children, and two dogs.

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.

Tom is Marketing Manager at Mackie’s of Scotland, where he leads brand and campaign activity for Scotland's favourite ice cream brand. Tom is particularly committed to championing the region’s food and drink sector, helping showcase the quality, provenance and innovation that defines the area.

Having lived in the North East since studying Zoology at the University of Aberdeen in 2010, he has built broad experience, working in both marketing and content production. His background includes managing video and content projects for major multinational clients, as well as working within the University of Aberdeen’s digital marketing and brand teams.