Trevor Garlick OBE, a seasoned figure in the UK’s energy sector with over four decades of experience in the North Sea, has been appointed as the new Chair of Energy Transition Zone Ltd (ETZ). Mr Garlick succeeds the late Sir Ian Wood, a highly influential industrialist and philanthropist in Scotland, who passed away on 26 July 2026 at the age of 84.
Mr Garlick’s extensive career includes a significant tenure at BP, where he served as Regional President for the UK and Norway before his retirement in 2016. Since then, he has held various prominent positions across the energy landscape. These include a five-year term as a Non-Executive Director of Serica Energy from 2018 to 2023, Chair of ONE Energy, and Vice Chair of the Net Zero Technology Centre (formerly OGTC), both between 2017 and 2021. He has also been an integral part of ETZ Ltd since its inception, serving as Vice Chair since its establishment in 2021. In recognition of his contributions to the oil and gas industry, he was awarded an OBE in 2016.
ETZ Ltd, a private sector-led, not-for-profit company, was established in April 2021 with the mission to spearhead North East Scotland’s energy transition. The organisation is dedicated to ensuring the region maintains its standing as a global leader in energy excellence, fostering a world-class supply chain, advancing low-carbon projects, developing an upskilled workforce, and cultivating a thriving economy. Its strategic goal is to reposition North East Scotland as Europe’s net-zero energy capital, focusing on offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage technologies.
To date, ETZ Ltd’s initiatives have unlocked an estimated £80 million in investment, achieved through collaboration with public, private, and academic partners. The company is actively progressing the phased development of the Energy Transition Zone, a world-class supply chain hub strategically located adjacent to the new £420 million Aberdeen South Harbour. The Aberdeen South Harbour, a major marine infrastructure project, was completed in August 2023, enhancing the region’s capacity for transformational facilities supporting floating offshore wind, innovation, and skills.
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Commenting on his new appointment, Trevor Garlick stated, “It is a huge privilege to be appointed Chair of this great organisation, and I know I have big shoes to fill in succeeding Sir Ian, one of Scotland’s most influential industrialists, philanthropists and public servants.”
Mr Garlick further reflected on his predecessor’s impact, saying, “Few have left a greater imprint on Aberdeen than Sir Ian, a man who understood the north-east supply chain was not simply there to serve the industry but was one of the region’s great strengths in its own right: a source of innovation, skills, exports and long-term economic opportunity.”
He added, “It was this belief and determination that led to the establishment of Energy Transition Zone Ltd, a recognition of the need for this city and region to keep adapting, investing in its people, industries and future.” Garlick concluded by affirming his commitment to continuing this legacy, stating, “I intend to lead ETZ Ltd in that same spirit and with our talented team, expertly led by our Chief Executive Maggie McGinlay, we will continue to make the interventions necessary to secure this region’s position as a globally recognised hub of energy excellence.”
