Complete service provider for the energy industry, IKM Testing UK, has appointed seasoned industry professional, Barry Summers, as Regional Director, following the retirement of Mark Rasmusen. In line with the company’s growth plans, Barry will deliver strategic leadership across the firm’s Aberdeen, East Mediterranean and West African operations.
The transition comes as the Westhill-headquartered business announces contract wins worth £23 million in the first 6 months of this year, just 14% shy of the turnover for the whole of 2024. This follows on from a 42% increase in turnover between 2023 – 2024, with the firm projecting ambitious year-on-year targets for the next 5 years. These results set the tone for continued expansion under Barry’s leadership, particularly in strategic growth areas such as decommissioning, valve services, and the energy transition.
Barry has over 14 years’ experience with the global IKM Group, having worked across a number of senior positions including Operations Manager and Head of Operations. His international experience includes a stint in Australia, where he held the position of Business Manager for the Pipeline and Process division of IKM Testing Australia. Returning to the UK in 2019, Barry resumed responsibility for UK operations and played a key role in scaling the company’s team and technical offering.
Mark leaves IKM Testing UK after a career spanning 40 years in the global energy industry, the last 14 of which have seen him at the helm of IKM Testing UK. Mark was also instrumental in establishing IKM Testing Brasil, which now numbers around 200 employees. Barry paid tribute to his predecessor, saying:
“Mark helped transform IKM Testing UK from a small team of fewer than 10 to a trusted international provider with over 185 employees and purpose-built facilities in Westhill,” Barry added. “He created an environment where people were encouraged to grow and innovate, and that’s something I’m committed to carrying forward.”
“Our clients’ needs are evolving, and we are evolving with them. We’re breaking down silos, improving communication, and supporting our people with structured training, mentoring, and tools that make their jobs smarter, safer, and more rewarding. Everything we do, from how we collaborate to how we expand into new services, feeds into our long-term strategy.
I’m most excited about the growth and development of our people. Their talent and innovation will drive our success. My role is to give them the support, tools, and platform to thrive, a successful business will be the byproduct of that.
The opportunities in decommissioning and renewable energy are vast, and we are committed to pursuing them relentlessly. We are bold in our aspirations and have a skilled workforce to meet those challenges head on.”
“I am very much looking forward to building on this exceptional spearheading the next chapter of IKM Testing UK. Our culture is underpinned by our mantra to challenge convention and inspire innovation. Our talented team have a proven track record of delivering solutions that produce results and prioritise safety. With plans underway to consolidate our presence in the oil and gas industry both in Aberdeen and Internationally, while transitioning into the renewables sector, we are on track to achieve the ambitious growth targets we have set for 2030.”