Introducing Cameron Sutherland: New Commercial Manager at Global Energy Group Fabrication

Global Energy Group is pleased to welcome Cameron Sutherland as the new Commercial Manager for our fabrication division based at the Port of Nigg. He takes over the role from Daniel Cormack, who has been appointed as Managing Director of Scotbuild & Calder Electrical (part of the GEG Capital portfolio). We recently sat down with Cameron to learn more about his background, role, and vision for the future.

Can you give us a brief overview of your career history?
Certainly - I graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2013 with a degree in Marketing before joining FMC Technologies in Aberdeen, working in project planning and coordination roles, orientated around North Sea subsea drilling and wells equipment packages. Following the merger of FMC and Technip in 2016, I transitioned to TechnipFMC’s subsea manufacturing division in Dunfermline, before moving again in 2019 to their Surface division as a Project Manager, overseeing the delivery and installation of well control packages for UK and Norwegian clients.

In 2021, I changed industries completely and moved to Dublin to join Aqua Comms, a subsea telecommunications cabling company. As a Senior Project Manager, I managed a range of internal and external projects, while supporting rapid business expansions that saw the Aqua Comms workforce almost triple in two years. I joined GEG as Commercial Manager in December of last year, taking over from Daniel Cormack.

What attracted you to GEG and this role in particular?
Having grown up in Dornoch, I was always aware of Global Energy Group’s activities and reputation within the local & regional economy. A number of my friends have worked for GEG and always spoke highly of the company and its people. Moving back to the Highlands last summer presented the perfect opportunity to join the business while also returning to the energy industry. Stepping into a Commercial Manager role from project management was also a natural career progression for me.

What will your main responsibilities be?
The responsibilities of a Commercial Manager are quite broad but overall involves overseeing the financial performance of our business & projects, analysing and reporting on business performance, business development, contract negotiations, risk management, assisting with forming bids and tenders, managing daily operations, and supporting the development of the wider Commercial Team.

How do you see your role contributing to GEG’s growth?
The Commercial Manager role is crucial in a competitive market. Pricing and customer relationships are key factors in our growth. Retaining repeat customers, delivering high-quality projects, and expanding into new markets are my main priorities.

What are your key priorities for the next 6-12 months?
Every business is unique and GEG is no exception. My immediate focus is on understanding the business (and its wider portfolio), how the different units collaborate and leaning on the vast experience within the team. Building strong relationships with clients and re-familiarising myself our primary energy markets are also key priorities.

What’s the biggest challenge or opportunity in the industry right now?
One of the biggest challenges is political uncertainty causing delays in decision-making and spending within the energy industry. There are natural peaks & troughs within our project pipeline, therefore ensuring our workforce is engaged during quieter periods is also vital. On the opportunity side, GEG’s capabilities as a high-quality steel fabricator, allow us to compete not just in the UK but across Europe. Our substantial fabrication facilities at the Port of Nigg sets us out from our competitors and allows us to take on projects of a significant size & scale within oil & gas and renewable energy markets.

Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
I play golf and football when I can, and I also keep busy looking after our young retriever - which feels like a full-time job in itself!

Dave MacKay, General Manager at GEG Fabrication, commented on Cameron’s appointment:
“We’re delighted to welcome Cameron to the team. His experience across multiple sectors, coupled with his deep understanding of project management and commercial performance, will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business. Exciting times lie ahead, and I look forward to working closely with Cameron to drive the business forward.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Daniel Cormack for his 15-years of dedicated to the GEG Fabrication business and his support in handing over the role to Cameron - we wish him all the best in his new role.”