AREG NEWS: David Rodger, CEO to step down at the end of March

February 6, 2023
AREG NEWS: David Rodger, CEO to step down at the end of March

AREG CEO David Rodger will be stepping down from his role at the end of March.

During his tenure, David has made a significant contribution to AREG’s success and prior to taking up the CEO role, was a long-time advocate and chaired our communications group.

Some of David’s personal highlights include launching the inaugural Energy Futures Conference, representing AREG at COP 26 and a far-reaching member roadshow. He has also been a strong voice on pressing sector issues from ScotWind to economic investment and skills.

David commented: “It has been a privilege to represent AREG’s members, working with the wider AREG team, board and committed stakeholders over the last few years. There are many personal highlights from getting to meet and know so many of our innovative and dynamic members to being part of discussions at Cop26 and of course launching our inaugural Energy Futures conference, exhibition and dinner that had so much positive engagement and support from members and the wider industry.

“It has been equally rewarding to engage with the next generation on the energy transition at schools, colleges and universities and I am proud that we also now have a young professionals group established in AREG. I will continue to be a close friend and advocate of AREG but after 36 years of working in the granite city it is time for a gear change from me albeit I hope after a short break to explore future opportunities as a writer, commentator and facilitator in this very exciting fast-growing space.

“I thank the membership and supporters of the group for their collective efforts and energy as the group bounced back from the challenging lock-down period. That continued support and goodwill is the life blood for a not-for-profit organisation and I encourage the membership to continue to really lean in and broadcast the great efforts underway on energy transition in the North East of Scotland and beyond.”

AREG will continue to support our growing membership and represent the fast-growing sector we’ve championed for 20 years.

Jean Morrison, Chair of AREG said: “I want to thank David for his dedication and commitment over the last few years during which time we’ve significantly grown our membership to over 275 organisations, launched new policy, supply chain and professional services forums and had a voice on some of the biggest issues facing the energy sector. This year is set to be transformational for the sector with multiple GW offshore developments in planning, green hydrogen developments taking shape and the results of the INTOG process set to stimulate significant investment in floating wind. AREG is here to support and represent our members and is bringing forward an exciting and informative programme of activities.”

AREG board director Sven van den Bedem added: “I’d like to thank David for his excellent support during this pivotal time for the sector. David’s personal engagement with our members, inclusive approach and commitment to launching the Energy Futures Conference has been incredibly valued.”

AREG will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the end of the year and is planning for another busy year of events, webinars and member initiatives including participating in an up-and-coming trade mission from France looking at renewable development opportunities.

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AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

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AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
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Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
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Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise