ICoTA Makes New Appointments (UK)

Leading oil and gas industry body, the Intervention & Coiled Tubing Association (ICoTA) European Chapter, has appointed a new chairman and vice-chairman.

Former vice-chair Michael Taggart will take the helm as chairman of the organisation, while fellow committee member Kelly Murray has been appointed as the new vice-chairman.

Both appointments were announced at the ICoTA European Chapter’s annual dinner at the Marcliffe Hotel, Aberdeen, attended by more than 300 leading figures from the region’s intervention and coiled tubing industry.

Taggart has been a member of ICoTA Europe for more than a decade, with over five years spent on the committee. A former marine engineer with the Merchant Navy, he has worked in the oil and gas industry for almost 20 years.

An engineering manager with Baker Hughes, Taggart, is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient undertaking of coiled tubing operations for Baker Hughes, also introducing new technologies to the UK.

Kelly Murray becomes the first woman to hold either the position of chair or vice chair at the organisation after spending four years as an ICoTA committee member. Murray played a vital role in organising last year’s Energy Apprentice competition aimed at encouraging school pupils to think about a career in the oil and gas industry.

Currently the Chief Operating Officer at Red Spider Halliburton, Murray is responsible for the leading the company’s product centre and was instrumental in securing private investment for the company when it was restructured in 2009.

Murray started her career in the industry as a project coordinator for Baker before her interest in tools instigated a move into the Well Intervention Group.

The chairman and vice-chairman of ICoTA Europe serve for one year, are nominated by members and appointed on an annual basis. Taggart takes over as chairman from Callum Munro.

Commenting on his appointment, Taggart said: “I am delighted to take on this new role as chairman. ICoTA is key in providing a global network of professionals, engineers and technical experts across all well intervention disciplines, offering a vital platform through which to exchange practical knowledge and share innovative ideas and products.

“As chairman, I want to build momentum through the organisation ensuring we can attract the new breed of engineers which the industry needs both now and for the future. The adoption of new technologies and more collaborative ways of working will help to secure the North Sea industry going forward. ICoTA is pivotal in sharing this information and learning across all of the wells’ disciplines.

“I would also like to thank Callum Munro for his excellent leadership and contribution to ICoTA through 2012. Membership has increased and the organisation is gaining recognition as an established and specialised networking forum for all well intervention activities, both by service providers and oil companies alike.”

Murray added: “I am pleased to have been chosen as vice-chairman of ICoTA Europe. I want to help the organisation build on what it does best, ensuring we continue to offer the excellent opportunities for knowledge sharing and innovation that are recognised across the industry.”

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Press Release, March 6, 2013