Steve Rae to take the helm at Step Change in Safety

The Board of Step Change in Safety is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Rae as the organisation’s new Executive Director.

Steve is a born and bred Aberdonian who is held in high regard within the global oil and gas community having spent more than 35 years working in the industry. He began his career in the early-1980s as an offshore technician and worked on many North Sea installations before being assigned to Piper Alpha. His escape and survival from the platform on the night of 6^th July 1988 left him with an unquenchable desire to make a positive change in the safety culture across the industry. 

Steve is a highly accomplished and respected business executive who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role. Throughout his career, he’s held several senior positions in the UK, USA & Brazil including: Operations Manager, Noble Drilling; Vice President International Drilling Operations, Seawell Americas; Vice President of International Drilling and Engineering, Global Vice President of QHSE, at Archer - the Well company. In 1996, he attended Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University, graduating in 2000 with an International MBA.

Steve’s association with Step Change in Safety dates back to 2007 when he was a member of the Leadership Team, which is responsible for planning and monitoring the activities of the organisation.  His other past industry roles include: Director, OPITO; Chairman, North Sea Chapter; and Director, International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC). In 2013, the IADC recognised Steve with the ‘Val Hood’ award for his services to the Drilling Industry.

Steve is also Chairman of the Pound for Piper charity trust which provides support towards the up-keep of the North Sea Memorial Rose Gardens and the Piper Alpha monument located in Aberdeen’s Hazlehead Park.

Commenting on his new role, Steve said; “Words cannot express how honoured I feel to have been appointed as the Executive Director of Step Change in Safety.  For me, the role presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a significant part in shaping the future safety culture in our industry.  Those who know me personally, or have heard me talk, will appreciate how much this means to me.

“I look forward to taking up my new position in July and until such time I will continue to give my current employer, Well-Safe Solutions my full attention during this exciting part of their journey.” 

Bob Fennell, member of the Step Change in Safety Board and co-Chair of the Leadership Team said: “For me, Steve’s appointment was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make as he is perfect for the role. He has an established industry presence and is a great orator and business leader. Most importantly, Steve genuinely wants to make the UK oil and gas industry a safer place to work for its workforce.”

Fellow Board member and co-Chair of the Step Change in Safety Leadership Team, Craig Wiggins, said: “To have recruited a person of Steve’s industry standing is a major success for Step Change in Safety. Throughout his extensive career, it’s very clear that safety excellence is one of his core beliefs. I look forward to working with him as we continue the journey to improve safety on the front line.”