Our People - Motive Offshore

WE ARE MOTIVE.

Our people will always be our most valuable asset. We take great pride in our committed and innovative team, everyone an expert in their field.

Executive Board

With a wealth of industry experience, our Executive Team provides strong organisational leadership. Guiding the development and implementation of Group strategy and business operations as a whole, they lead by example, with a strong client-led perspective.

Dave Acton

CEO

Chief Executive Officer of Motive Offshore Group, Dave co-founded the business in 2010, following a successful career spanning over twenty years in subsea engineering.

As CEO, Dave’s main focus is the growth and development of his team. He oversees all of Motive Offshore Group’s global bases and develops growth strategies, both organically and through strategic acquisition.

Through his years of experience working in the energy industry, Dave knew he could apply his skills and knowledge to build a company that could support a range of energy projects, starting in Scotland, and rapidly, worldwide.

Working offshore, Dave quickly moved through the ranks, starting as a subsea engineer, moving to drilling, and being promoted to management positions. It is this first-hand experience that enables Dave to lead Motive Offshore Group with knowledge and understanding that underpin our core values: People, Planet, Product.

Dave has grown with the business, remaining committed to his own personal and professional development, enabling him to continually drive Motive Offshore Group forward. This passion, for not only growing the business but for helping its people to excel, has seen Dave recognised as EV CEO of the Year in 2020, and recipient of the CEO Monthly Magazine CEO of the Year award in 2021.

Prior to working offshore, Dave trained as a mechanical engineer, igniting his strong work ethic and having high expectations of himself, and those around him.

James Gregg

COO

Chief Operating Officer of Motive Offshore Group, James co-founded the business in 2010, following a successful career spanning over twenty years in subsea engineering.

As COO, James’s focus is directing and overseeing the operational activities of Motive Offshore Group, ensuring these align with, and execute, the company strategies.

After completing an Apprenticeship in the fishing industry, James quickly moved through the ranks, latterly in a senior operational management role overseeing an engineering department, and hire equipment sales and support.

Identifying a gap in the market, James seized the opportunity to create a company that could support multiple sectors through offering fully integrated solutions.

As the organisation continues to grow, James remains passionate about preserving the core values upon which Motive is built: People, Planet, Product.

His resolute belief is ‘people first’, enabling career mobility for all through encouraging employees to pursue their strengths and naturally grow within the organisation.

James ensures Motive’s pledge to Corporate Social Responsibility remains at the forefront. The company is firmly integrated within its local communities through fundraising initiatives and partnerships, and is fully committed to protecting and enhancing the environment in which it operates.

Declan Slattery

CFO

Bringing 14 years’ financial experience specifically focused on Offshore Service Providers, Declan was appointed as Chief Financial Officer for Motive Offshore Group in 2020.

A highly accomplished finance professional with a proven track record leading on financial and commercial activities, Declan specialises in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), new country entry, and strategic development.

Declan began his career at PSN, and has held senior positions at Enpro Subsea, Technip FMC, Ceona, and PDi, his experience covering the UK, US, West Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and India.

Declan’s role involves managing financial activities across the entire Group to provide meaningful financial information to management, with a strong focus on corporate development.

Kerry Scott

HSEQ AND PEOPLE DIRECTOR

Having started her career over 20 years ago in the oil and gas industry, Kerry is our Group HSEQ and People Director, responsible for leading the global HR function, and providing leadership on all aspects of health, safety, environment, and quality across the Group.

Kerry is a chartered member of the Institute of Safety and Health and joined Motive Offshore Group in 2016. During her time at Motive, she has been responsible for developing our global HSEQ Management system and managing and supporting the people elements of our business, including employee relations, learning, and development.

Directors

Our Directors are at the helm of every project we undertake, leading our expert teams through efficient solutions for our clients, ensuring the best possible Motive experience.

Ben Coutts

ENGINEERING & RENTALS DIRECTOR

Ben joined Motive in 2020 and is responsible for Motive’s engineering and rentals services delivered from our Boyndie facility in the NE of Scotland.

Roles throughout his career range from an engineering apprenticeship through to senior management positions in the Royal Air Force, Oil & Gas, Waste Management & Renewables industries.

Sarah Wallek

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Sarah has a career spanning over 25 years in the oil and gas industry, bringing experience working with SMEs and global companies with venture capital investors. Joining Motive Offshore Group in 2021 as Group Finance Manager, Sarah was appointed Finance Director in 2023.

ACCA qualified and having retained a management role for more than 15 years, Sarah specialises in finance and accounting management, including financial reporting, budgeting, financial analysis, treasury, and process improvement.

Overseeing financial operations across the Group to ensure statutory compliance obligations are fulfilled, Sarah is responsible for delivering and improving the quality of financial information with robust processes and systems, working closely with our Leadership Team and Company Auditors.

Ross Whittingham

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Ross joined Motive Offshore Group in January 2021, following Motive’s acquisition of Flowline Specialists.

As Technical Director, Ross has a strong focus on technical sales and engineering within operations, ensuring equipment complies with client requirements and meets relevant engineering standards and regulations. Additionally, Ross supports R&D helping drive innovation within the business.

A graduate of Dundee’s Abertay University with a BSc in Mechatronics, Ross started his career as a draughtsman with a Scottish fabrication company, later joining Flowline Specialists in 2009 where he would lead the design and development of new equipment as Engineering Manager, prior to taking over as CEO in 2019.

Ross has extensive experience in strategic planning, product design, and project management. A natural problem solver, he is passionate about creating innovative engineering solutions.

Regional Managers

As members of our Leadership Team, our Regional Managers provide the critical link between our global bases, divisions, and the Group as a whole.

Ryan Thomson

EUROPEAN REGION SALES MANAGER

Ryan joined Motive Offshore Group in 2013, following various roles working for oil service companies across Aberdeen.

Bringing vast technical experience, Ryan has navigated a number of roles at Motive, in both the UK and Norway.

Initially joining Motive as a Proposals Engineer, Ryan relocated to Norway in 2015 to help establish Motive AS. Results-focused and with a knack for driving growth, Ryan took over the role of Regional Manager for Motive AS in 2019, overseeing sales and operational activity in the Scandinavian marketplace.

Following a return to the UK in 2023, Ryan now assumes the role of European Region Sales Manager, responsible for managing and executing the regional sales strategy.

Ryan is a committed GlobalScot helping champion collaboration and lend support to new companies entering the marketplace.

Henrik Wigestrand

REGIONAL MANAGER (SCANDINAVIA)

An established sales and business development professional with over 15 years of experience in the Norwegian Oil & Gas and Offshore Energy industries, Henrik joined Motive AS in 2023.

With a proven track record in driving results for clients, Henrik is dedicated to facilitating the growth and development of services across Scandinavia.

Responsible for overseeing and optimising sales and operations Henrik delivers leadership for the Norwegian team, ensuring compliance with Group strategy through successful implementation and development of business objectives.

Graeme Chalmers

REGIONAL MANAGER (MIDDLE EAST)

Graeme joined Motive Offshore Group in January 2021, following Motive’s acquisition of Flowline Specialists.

As Regional Manager for the Middle East, Graeme is responsible for leading day-to-day operations, driving excellence across our service lines, and directing growth across the region.

With a childhood interest in mechanics and engineering, Graeme served his time as a mechanic in the automotive industry, before joining an Oil & Gas multinational.

Graeme has extensive experience around modular cable handling and deployment equipment and has enjoyed working in the UAE since 2015.

Graeme is a GlobalScot and a member of the Middle East branch of the Society for Underwater Technology.

Ray Regan

REGIONAL MANAGER (APAC)

Joining the Group in 2022 Ray manages the APAC region from the Motive Taiwan base, overseeing the continued growth and expansion of Motive service lines across the Asia-Pacific market.

With a long background in EPCI, Ray has served in several executive-level roles within the Oil & Gas and Renewables sectors across South East Asia, Africa and the UK.

With a career that began in civil engineering before transitioning into Oil & Gas and then Renewables, Ray brings a wealth of experience to help drive excellence, customer satisfaction, and regional growth.

Wider Management Team

Our Management Team is a group of highly experienced Managers who provide a collective approach for strategic and operational governance across the company. Meeting together regularly to share ideas and collaborate, they ensure we can make good decisions, quickly.

David Leith

HEAD OF PROJECTS (UK & Europe)

With Motive since 2012, David holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Business Management and has an exceptional knowledge of Motive equipment.

Leading the execution of rental and engineering projects, David is responsible for all project delivery and execution activities.

David Halkett

ENGINEERING & RENTALS ASSET MANAGER (UK & Europe)

David has been with Motive since 2011, having previously completed an Apprenticeship in Agricultural Engineering, and going on to build an extensive technical background in hydraulics, production, and engineering through various roles.

Key responsibilities at Motive include the management of rental and engineering projects, and the leadership of multi-disciplinary teams.

Linzi Moir

CERTIFICATION & INSPECTION DIVISION MANAGER

Embarking on a career change in 2014, Linzi moved from Beauty and Complementary Therapy into the Oil & Gas industry, specifically within Certification & Inspection. Starting out in Operations Support then quickly progressing to Operations Coordinator, Linzi has amassed a wealth of knowledge across Certification & Inspection services.

Joining Motive Offshore Group in 2019, Linzi came on board as Key Account Manager for a major client, and in 2022 was promoted to Certification & Inspection Division Manager.

Passionate about excellent customer service, Linzi has responsibility for managing and overseeing all UK operations, leading a multi-disciplined team to ensure the smooth and successful delivery of projects.

Colin Forsyth

GENERAL MANAGER (FABRICATION)

Colin has a wealth of experience following nearly 40-years in the Fabrication industry.

Joining Motive in 2018, Colin is a skilled Project Manager having held numerous positions in the engineering and energy sectors, and has vast experience in quayside and vessel operations.

Ben Gray

AREA MANAGER - NORTHEAST ENGLAND

With over a decade of experience in sales and project management, Ben has exceptional technical knowledge of the Motive portfolio.

Responsible for the growth of our Port of Blyth base, Ben’s focus is on the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Motive’s regional operational strategy.

Building our capacity and capabilities within the region, Ben supports all day-to-day operations from the Northeast England Hub across our Rentals, Engineering, and Spooling & Inspection service lines.

Andy Derrick

GLOBAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Joining Motive Offshore Group in 2022, Andy Derrick assumes the role of Global Business Development Manager.

Responsible for enhancing brand recognition and growing our clientele worldwide, Andy works closely with the sales and marketing teams, managing the overall business development to deliver on our strategies across the Group.

Bringing over 12 years of sales, customer service and partnership management experience, Andy most latterly held the position of Head of Sales for an Energy sector software specialist and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in Business Development.

We are One Team: One Motive.

Our Team makes us what we are. By believing in our people and putting them first, we have achieved a solid and resilient business foundation.

Our people come from a variety of backgrounds, have different areas of expertise and diverse ambitions, but all share a common mindset:

People.
Planet.
Product.

These core values are in our cultural DNA and form the model for our entire organisation.

We care about our impact and that's why everyone at Motive lives by the premise of "accountability in every action".

Our team is as committed to the end result as the people who choose to work with us.

Join us

I’ve been part of the Motive team for 9 years now. I really like working here, always something new to build that tests your skills and at an age of 63 I’m still learning and passing on life skills to younger employees. Everyone here is very hardworking and takes a real pride in what they do. At the end of a project there’s always a great sense of achievement."

Alan Dalgarno, Fitter

I have been with Motive for over 3 years now and honestly felt ‘part of the team’ from the start. I’ve had excellent opportunities for career progression within Certification and Inspection, including the chance to relocate to a new country."

Tony Clark, Inspection Manager (UAE)

The fast pace and high energy within sales make for an exciting working environment which I really enjoy. I regularly see people throughout Motive going above and beyond to help each other out and deliver the best possible service to our customers. Motive is a thriving company with ambitious plans."

David Nicoll, Sales Administration Manager

I joined Motive in 2014 and despite the size of the organisation now, it remains a close-knit team. I’m still working with many of the same people now as when I started, which I think speaks for Motive as a company. I’ve personally had some great opportunities over the years, recently moving from the UK to Norway to take up a management position."

Scott Flett, Operations Manager (Norway)