The CEO of the Net Zero Technology Center (NZTC), Colette Cohen, has decided to step down from her position after almost seven years at the helm. The NZTC said in a statement that Myrtle Dawes will take over as the Centre’s new chief executive.
Colette Cohen launched NZTC in 2017 as part of the Aberdeen City Region Agreement. With £180m of UK and Scottish Government funding, the center has co-invested over £253m with industry in technologies such as effective well plugging and abandonment, asset integrity, autonomous robotics and renewable energy systems, the NZTC statement revealed. It has screened more than 1,800 new technologies, advanced 175 field trials and helped commercialize more than 33 technologies, according to the release.
Under his leadership, the center also exceeded its mission of building and nurturing a thriving business ecosystem, the statement said. Through its TechX Accelerator programme, 45 technology start-ups have been supported, and TechX Pioneers have raised more than GBP 75 million in capital since graduating from the programme, he added.
“In an industry that is traditionally slow to change and very risk-averse when it comes to adopting new technologies, Colette had a monumental task on her hands to shape a Net Zero Technology Center offering that the industry I would buy and defend.” NZTC President Martin Gilbert said.
“An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Colette is a formidable leader who will ensure the Center remains relevant as global attention increases on emissions reduction and low-carbon technology. She continued to evolve the strategy of the company and positioning it for growth and is taking the reins at an exciting time for the center. On behalf of the board, I thank him for his drive and commitment,” Gilbert added.
Myrtle Dawes will take over as CEO in July 2023. Myrtle joined NZTC in 2019 as Solutions Center Director, leading the delivery of technology development and deployment and project growth strategies.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my nearly seven years at NZTC and am tremendously proud of the impact the Center has had, and continues to have, on the technology landscape in North East Scotland and across the UK. […] The energy transition and technology are two constantly moving targets and there are still many untapped opportunities, this requires a strong proven leader, and I am delighted to hand over the reins to Myrtle, who will take the Center to its next level of success.” Cohen said.
“I am honored to be appointed CEO at such a crucial time for both the energy industry and NZTC, and I am very excited to take the Center forward and achieve even more,” concluded CEO-designate Myrtle Dawes.
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