I've spent the best part of three decades in the energy sector. During that time, I've worked on projects worth billions across both conventional energy and the energy transition. I've seen companies at their best, and I've seen what holds them back.
So, when the opportunity came to lead Nexos Group, it was an easy decision. It’s rare to join a business that already has a clear sense of direction, ambition and balance – my job is to build on what’s gone before and to leverage the wealth of skills that already exist within the group.
A platform built for what comes next
Nexos Group brings together four distinct businesses - Nexos, Powerstar, Kelton and OSL Consulting - each with its own track record, its own relationships and its own deep expertise.
Individually, they're strong. Together, they represent something more compelling: a full-service consulting, engineering and integrated delivery partner that can operate across traditional and renewable energy, process and chemical, industrial and commercial markets.
That breadth matters because – and while it may be trite to say - the energy sector is not standing still. Neither is power, nor industrials. The clients we serve are navigating transformation on multiple fronts simultaneously; decarbonisation, security of supply, ageing infrastructure, new technology, volatile markets. What they need isn't a niche specialist for one part of the picture. They need a trusted partner who can see across the whole landscape and deliver end-to-end.
What the strategy demands
The strategic direction that has been honed and shaped in the last year gives us a clear mandate: domestic and international growth across energy, power, industrial and commercial, as well as the process and chemicals markets.
My focus is on accelerating delivery of that vision - in practice, that means a few things.
First, it means operating as one Group. Our portfolio of companies will work in concert, to deliver a stronger, integrated offering. Clients shouldn't have to navigate between entities, they should see Nexos Group as a single, coherent partner, because that is what we are.
Bringing these businesses together under a common purpose isn't about diluting what makes each one special. It's about multiplying the value they create when they work as one.
Second, it means deepening our capabilities where it matters most. I want us to be genuinely indispensable to our clients; not just technically competent, but commercially sharp, strategically aligned with their goals and consistently excellent in delivery. That reputation takes time to build and it starts with every project, every engagement, every relationship.
Third, it means growth, and I mean that with intent, not as a platitude. Aberdeen is our home and our foundation, but our ambitions are international. Our focus is on using our oil and gas pedigree to grow in the power and industrial sectors domestically and internationally - the skills and capabilities within this Group have relevance well beyond the UK. I've worked globally throughout my career and I know the opportunities that exist for a business like ours if we're disciplined about where we compete and confident in what we bring.
Why this moment
I've always valued having perspective from both sides of the table. Understanding what clients actually need, not just what they ask for, is how you build lasting partnerships rather than transactional ones.
That experience informs everything I'll do at Nexos Group. We will succeed not by selling services, but by solving problems. The more clearly we can demonstrate that our success is tied to our clients' success, the stronger our position becomes.
What I expect of us
Business is never without challenge. Markets shift. Competition is real. Executing a growth strategy while continuing to deliver for existing clients demands discipline and focus.
But I've seen what's inside this business. The talent is here. The track record is here. The momentum, frankly, is already here. To our clients: you have a partner that is investing in its capabilities and its future. We are here for the long term, and we intend to earn your trust every day.
To the market: watch this space. We're just getting started.
Dan McAteer is Group Chief Executive of Nexos Group, a leading provider of consulting, engineering and integrated delivery services to the energy, power and industrial sectors.