OPITO mourns death of chief executive David Doig

Oil and gas skills and workforce development organization OPITO has confirmed that its CEO David Doig suffered a heart attack on December 31 and later passed away in Kirkcaldy at the age of 57.

John Taylor, chairman of OPITO, said in Tuesday’s statement: “David was a vocal champion of OPITO, a much-respected industry leader, a firm advocate of social responsibility; and a trusted colleague and friend to many.

“His straight-talking approach, determination and passionate belief that all oil and gas workers regardless of their job role, their employer or their nationality should be able to travel to work and return home safely at the end of the day, helped drive positive change in countless countries around the world and inspired great loyalty among those who knew him.

“His loss is sorely felt by us all. Our thoughts are with David’s wife, Gillian, and his family at this difficult time.”

Doig had an early background in engineering and has worked on major offshore projects in the North Sea for more than 25 years before moving onshore in 1994 to lead on maintenance support contracts as a business unit operations manager with KBR.

He joined OPITO in 1999 as head of the audit team and was named the CEO in spring 2005, then the Group CEO following the creation of OPITO International in 2009 where he advised governments, NOCs, IOCs and contractors on workforce development strategies.

As the organization grew, he relocated to the United Arab Emirates, overseeing growth into new markets and the establishment of OPITO’s first overseas offices in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, and Cyprus.