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Ian WoodScottish businessman
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Ian Wood
Ian Wood, a Scottish businessman, is best known for his work in the oil industry in the North Sea with the company Wood Group. He played a significant role in transforming Wood Group from a small local player to a major corporation operating in over 50 countries.
Early Life and Education
Ian Wood was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. He completed his education at Robert Gordon's College and then enrolled at the University of Aberdeen, where he studied psychology. He graduated from the university in 1964.
Career
After his college years, Wood joined the family business and became the managing director of the family company in 1967. He served as the executive director of Wood Group from 1967 until 2006, and then remained its chairman until 2012.
Wood received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Aberdeen in 1984, a Doctor of Business Administration degree from The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in 1998, and a Doctor of Technical Science degree from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2002. From 2004 onwards, he held the position of honorary rector at the Robert Gordon University.
Philanthropy
On April 20, 2010, the Aberdeen City Council accepted a conditional donation of £85 million (£50 million upfront, £35 million if the project exceeds the budget) for the redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens, a public park and gardens in the heart of Aberdeen. The project received support from some local businessmen, while a minority of local residents opposed it. Initially, the project was approved in a referendum, but later the Aberdeen City Council rejected it.
Retirement
On July 19, 2012, Wood announced his retirement as chairman of the Wood Group Board, and his position was succeeded by Allister Langlands.
