CFPA unveils new man at the helm
A MAJOR Easter Ross employer with plans for further expansion has a new man at the helm.
The board of the Invergordon-based Cromarty Firth Port Authority has announced the appointment of Bob Buskie as chief executive.
He takes over from Captain Ken Gray who is retiring at the end of June this year, having completed almost eight years in the role.
The CFPA says that since 2005, when Captain Gray joined, a period of substantial inward investment and major improvements has been witnessed.
Turnover has increased from £2.6m in 2005 to £6.3m in 2012. Pre-tax profits have also increased, from £436,000 in 2005 to £2.27m in 2012.
Bob Buskie joins the CFPA after a career that spans the oil and gas operating and service sectors.
Most recently Strategy and Business Development Director for Sparrows Group, he has also previously served as chief executive officer in Switzerland for Omnisems SA, group director at RBG Ltd and vice-president EMEA for Stratos Global.
He has strong links to the region, having been educated in Dornoch and Golspie.
He said “This is an extremely exciting opportunity and I am very much looking forward to joining the Cromarty Firth Port Authority at such an important time in its development. The Port is about to embark on a major expansion project and I am sure my background in business leadership and development will help ensure this is a success.”
Sandy Cumming, chairman of the Port Authority said: “We thank Ken for his significant contribution over the last eight years. He has transformed the Port and the Invergordon Service Base and leaves it as a highly successful and profitable operation, allowing us to further develop the facility for the benefit of our stakeholders.”
He described the recruitment process as "very exhaustive".
This appointment has been made at an exciting time for the Port Authority, which is about to embark on a £20million expansion plan aimed at ensuring it is able to grow alongside offshore marine developments and a continued oil and gas market.
It is estimated that 791 full time operational jobs (direct and indirect) will be supported by the expansion.