A well-known Granite city banker has taken a hands-on role at a chemicals firm to lead its international growth.
Mike Fergusson, who has spent 25 years with the Royal Bank of Scotland, has been named operations director at Apex Industrial Chemicals (AIC).
Founded by local entrepreneur Ed Singer in 1982, Aberdeen-based AIC is an independent supplier of onshore, offshore and marine chemicals in 22 different countries looking after clients from cleaning businesses to major oil and gas operators.
Mr Fergusson, 41, is aiming to boost offshore industry take-up of its specialist post-drilling fluids and clean-up chemicals.
“It was with a heavy heart I left RBS, but this was a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a dynamic business with ambitions to grow,” he said.
“AIC has a fascinating and diverse client base – our chemicals are used by hundreds of customers across many industries.
“The business has been growing for a number of years and I hope to continue that journey in the coming months and years.”
Mr Fergusson joined RBS when he was just 17-years-old, but has spent the past 17 years working with business customers in Aberdeen and the wider north-east area. Most recently he was a commercial banking director for the lender.
His father, Ken Fergusson, was also well known figure in north-east banking circles.
As well as taking on the day-to-day running of AIC, Mr Fergusson will be responsible for growing the firm’s customer base both in the UK and Norway.
He will also run operations at Apex’s sister firm, Aberdeen and Glasgow-based RSL – which is a specialist in non-destructive testing and calibration for the oil and gas industry.
Mr Singer believes the appointment marks the start of a new chapter for the business.
“Mike is an extremely well-known figure in the north-east of Scotland and his huge book of contacts will be invaluable for us going forward,” he said.
“We are one of the market leaders in what we do and are known across the North Sea for listening to our customers. Mike has an enviable record in customer service, which makes him a perfect fit for the firm.
“He joins us with the North Sea at a crossroads – a time where ever-advancing technology is needed to reach new depths West of Shetland and extend life in our oldest fields.
“We are experts in both and have a huge part to play in the future of the basin. With Mike on board, we are ready to fulfil that potential.”