Press releases
Robin McGill has been appointed as the IET’s new CEO
Robin McGill has been appointed as the IET’s new CEO
03 November 2006
The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) has today announced the appointment of Robin McGill managing director, BP Grangemouth, as its new Chief Executive and Secretary to be effective from January 2007.
Robin graduated from Edinburgh University with a BSc, 1st Class Honours, Engineering Science in 1977 and has had a successful international business career, with BP and its joint ventures, which has seen him work in the UK and USA as well as exposing him to businesses and cultures across the globe. . He is a Chartered Engineer and has served as a council member with the Scottish CBI as well as being a representative on various trade bodies. He is married with two grown up children.
Robin succeeds Dr Alf Roberts who is retiring after eight years in the role.
Commenting on his appointment Robin said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the IET. I believe engineering, science and technology can provide the solutions to many of the great challenges which face the world today. It is a privilege to be able to take on the role to lead such a prestigious Institution at this exciting time and to have the opportunity to work with the members to promote the vital role they can play in shaping the future.”
Welcoming the appointment, Sir Robin Saxby, President of the IET said: “I and fellow members of the Board of Trustees are delighted that Robin has agreed to join us at such exciting yet challenging times. His experience in engineering, management, business, academic and advisory arenas on a global basis will be invaluable to us in projecting our image to inspire the young, practice professionalism, and inform the public of the importance of science, engineering and technology, which is even more relevant in the 21st century than in the days of our founding fathers in 1871.
The IET was created earlier this year by the merger of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Roberts for all the work he has done for the Institution, particularly in successfully bringing together the IEE and IIE to form the new organisation,” added Sir Robin.
Tony Henderson
Head of PR and Media
T: +44 (0)20 7344 8403
M:+44 (0)7974 457565
E: tonyhenderson@theiet.org
Notes to editors:
Robin McGill Biography:
Robin graduated from Edinburgh University with a BSc, 1st Class Honours, Engineering Science (1977). He began his successful international career in 1977, working for BP Chemicals in Scotland as an Engineer before taking a series of operational roles ultimately becoming Polythene Operations Manager for the whole site.
Between 1988 and 1992, Robin worked for Carborundum inc., as a Business Manager for Boron Nitride in Buffalo, New York.
In 1992 he returned to BP plc and held a number of senior positions including Strategy and Projects Manager, BP Chemicals; Distribution Senior Business Advisor, BP Oil International; Marketing Division Manager Pittsburgh Pa, BP America Inc; M&A Project Manager, BP Chemicals Ltd; Business Unit Leader Plastic Fabrications Group, BP Amoco Ltd; and Business Unit Leader European Polymers, BP Chemicals.
In 2001 he was appointed CEO, BP Solvay HDPE a market leading joint venture, which was a large merger involving a successful change and culture change programme.
In 2004 Robin became the Managing Director BP Grangemouth, where he was responsible for the Forties Pipeline System, Kinneil gas terminal, the Petrochemical and Refining assets at Grangemouth – in total a strategic piece of UK infrastructure transporting a third of UK oil production with a value of $15bn and one of the top five petrochemical sites in Europe; with 1800 full time employees.
He became a full member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Chartered Engineer in 1981.
The IET
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is the largest professional engineering society in Europe and reflects the interdisciplinary, global and inclusive nature of engineering and technology. With a worldwide membership of more than 150,000, the Institution aims to lead in the advancement of engineering and technology by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and ideas at a local and global level and promoting best practice, ensuring that its members are thoroughly equipped to meet the needs of today's rapidly changing technological world. Membership comprises of individuals from a diverse range of technical backgrounds including IT, communications technology, electronics, electrical, power engineering, software, control, informatics and manufacturing and range from students to leading figures in industry, research and development and education. The IET was formed in 2006 by the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.