Wood appoints new chief executive

Leading services contractor Wood has found its new chief executive after an extensive search of internal and external candidates.

Ken Gilmartin, Wood’s current chief operating officer, will take the helm of the company headquartered at Aberdeen, Scotland, effective from 1 July. Following 15 years with Jacobs, Gilmartin joined Wood in his current role last August.

He will succeed Robin Watson, who announced his intention to retire in April. Watson will step down from the board — also effective on 1 July — although he will remain with Wood in an advisory role to support a smooth transition until 30 September.

“I joined Wood because I could see the great potential in the company, knowing the value of the skills and expertise required to deliver complex and critical projects, operations, and consultancy solutions,” Gilmartin said.

“I believe we have an exciting future in front of us as we capture growth opportunities in energy security and sustainability and deliver value for our shareholders over the medium term.”

During his tenure at Jacobs, Gilmartin held many roles and most recently was executive vice president of the company’s People & Places solutions business, responsible for more than half of Jacobs’ overall business portfolio.

“Ken has brought a wealth of industry experience and excellent strategic and leadership skills to Wood, and I am delighted that he will be our new chief executive. He has impressed the board with the impact he has made over the past nine months, where he has brought clarity, structure and focus, and a strong client-centric mindset to the role, and by his drive to lead the development of Wood’s future strategy,” Wood’s chairman Roy Franklin said.

“The board believes he is a great fit for Wood, with the combination of skills and experience to lead the business through its next strategic phase.”

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