High Performance Robotics (HPR) has appointed experienced energy executive James Griffin as project director, a new forward-facing role created to support the company’s rapid expansion across oil and gas, drilling, and offshore wind markets.
James brings extensive experience in drilling, subsea inspection and global commercial operations, with a career spanning topside and subsea services, international business development, and major contract delivery.
His background aligns strongly with HPR’s growth trajectory, particularly in UWILD – Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking – which allows operators to complete mandatory hull and structural inspections without taking assets out of the water.
Demand for UWILD is rising as operators seek safer, lighter, and more cost-effective inspection methods. Advances in miniaturised robotics now enable HPR to deliver inspections that previously required divers or larger ROV systems.
Most recently, James served as regional manager and general manager for Europe and Africa at Westerton, leading operations across a wide and complex geography for a specialist ROV and inspection provider.
Prior to that, he held senior roles at OES, where he began his offshore career before returning in 2019 as business development manager and subsequently global sales and marketing director. In that role, he secured and managed long-term framework agreements with leading drilling contractors, operators and service companies, including contracts valued at more than £20million annually.
HPR managing director Jan Stander said: “We are delighted to welcome James to HPR. He has exactly the right DNA for our business – dynamic, solutions-driven, and highly respected across the industry. His track record in securing and delivering major contracts, combined with his understanding of UWILD and drilling operations, makes him an excellent fit for the next stage of our expansion.
“HPR is entering new territories, new sectors, and new levels of scale. James will be a crucial, outward-facing leader who can help us deepen relationships, open new markets, and drive our growing presence in offshore wind.”
James’s experience in internationalising service businesses also supports HPR’s strategic growth plan. The company has significantly expanded its footprint following its acquisition by Ventex Studio and is now preparing to scale its robotics technologies across new regions and sectors.
James Griffin said: “HPR is one of the most exciting companies in the subsea space. Its miniaturised robotics are proving their value across drilling, inspection and renewables, and the business has the agility, capability, and mindset that clients are looking for.
“I’m joining at a pivotal time and look forward to helping the team build on its momentum across oil and gas and accelerate its push into offshore wind.”
Over the past 12 months, HPR has doubled its turnover, rebranded, expanded its fleet, and relocated to the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone.
As a result, the company - best known for its work with oil and gas clients Shell, Wood, and EnQuest - is now making its mark in offshore wind. It recently supported the delivery of Dogger Bank, which will power six million homes.
HPR’s robots recently delivered live footage of the intricate operation to land subsea power cables, connecting the vast project to shore through tunnels drilled beneath the beach.
With James now on board, HPR is well positioned to accelerate its expansion in drilling, subsea inspection, and offshore wind while continuing to scale its innovative robotics systems into new global markets.