OPITO CEO announces his intention to step down
John McDonald, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OPITO, the not-for-profit global safety and skills organisation for the energy industry, has announced that he will be stepping down this year after more than a decade leading the organisation through a period of significant change and transformation in the energy industry.
John joined OPITO as a Director and was appointed CEO in 2017. Throughout his tenure, OPITO has become a recognised and respected name in almost 60 countries, with annual registrations for its training standards more than doubling to 480,000.
Accelerated by the global pandemic, the organisation has undergone a digital transformation which has modernised the way OPITO operates and how its network of 230 approved training centres worldwide ensure the safety and competence of the energy workforce.
Building on its 50-year history as an expert advisor to government and industry, OPITO led the publication of the Integrated People and Skills Strategy, part of the North Sea Transition Deal, in 2022. Through its multi-million pound investment in STEM education programmes, the formation of the Energy Skills Alliance and collaborative relationships with the trade unions and workforce, OPITO is shaping the net zero future as it accelerates at pace.
Commenting on his announcement, John McDonald, said:
“It has been a genuine privilege to lead such an impactful and well-respected organisation over the last 10 years.
It has been my long-held ethos that building strong and progressive relationships with our partners and stakeholders is the secret to delivering enduring results. From governments and industry to the trade unions and the workforce, OPITO is a trusted and credible partner.
But change is constant and now is the right time for me to make a change. Over the coming months, I remain committed to working closely with our Leadership Team and partners to deliver our priorities, including the Energy Skills Passport, to ensure a safe and skilled workforce, ready to thrive in a net zero future.”
A formal search process is now underway with Odgers Berndtson for a successor and details can be found, here.
