Step Change in Safety has concluded the search for a new chief executive that began after Steve Rae decided to step down from his role in June.
The organization revealed in its press release that it has appointed Craig Wiggins to the role, noting that Wiggins has extensive industry experience having held leadership positions in operator and contracting companies, both at the internationally as well as in the United Kingdom, throughout his almost 40-year career. .
“I am honored to be named the Executive Director of Step Change in Safety. Taking over from Steve Rae is quite daunting as he has done a fabulous job during his tenure. In these four years, Step Change in Safety played its role through the pandemic, changed its bylaws to focus on improving safety in the energy sector and built international relationships. I am delighted to say that Steve will still be part of the Step Change in Safety journey as as we move forward, and his advice and guidance will continue to be vital,” said new chief executive Wiggins.
“I have been involved with the Step Change in Safety leadership team and board since 2016, and I know it plays a vital role in our industry. It is a unique organization where industry, unions and our regulators come together unite to positively influence the safety culture of the energy industry through active leadership, member collaboration and workforce engagement,” he added.
Wiggins said his goal is to understand the challenges facing members and stakeholders in order to refresh the organization’s strategy in support of its members’ energy transition efforts.
“There are over 25 years of learning at Step Change in Safety that can be used to support safety across a range of industries that support the energy transition and I’m really looking forward to playing my part in this journey . I’m honored, energized and can’t wait to get started,” Wiggins said.
Rae has been at the helm of the organization since 2019, strengthening the brand, growing national membership and growing internationally, while maintaining a focus on the offshore sector, Step Change in Safety said in a statement from the ‘organization, adding that it has also begun the process of evolving its portfolio of services to ensure it continues to meet the needs of members as they transition to alternative energy production.
Rae made the decision to reduce his working hours and will step down as executive director in October, now that a successor is being named, the organization said. He will remain involved with Step Change in Safety as a board member, while continuing to provide expert advisory services.
“Finding the right candidate for this job always required time and focus as this is a high-profile, high-impact role operating in a complex stakeholder environment. We were looking for an experienced leader with a solid reputation, expertly informed about safety culture, but most importantly, passionate about all safety issues Wiggins ticked all those boxes with over thirty years experience at Shell, as well as previous roles at Petrofac, bp, Aker and formerly NEO Energy. Mr. Wiggins is widely respected in the industry and we look forward to seeing him drive safety change moving forward and build on the work that Steve has championed these past four years,” Dave Allan, CEO of the professional executive recruitment firm GTL Search. who was tasked with finding the right successor, he says.
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