Accelerated Growth with Strengthened Leadership and Strategic Investment

Recruitment Ventures, the Aberdeen-based energy sector specialist, has repositioned the business with two senior appointments and a capital injection from its investment group owners, I7V.

Mark Gillespie, an energy industry veteran, has been appointed Director and will oversee business strategy. With more than 35 years of experience in the oil, gas and renewables sectors, Mark brings deep industry insight. He will also continue in his roles as Chief Executive Officer of Recyle8 and Director of marine energy specialist Rivtide Power.

Rhea Fraser has been promoted to Operations Director and will oversee the group’s day-to-day operations. Rhea joined Recruitment Ventures in 2024 and brings decades of recruitment agency and in-house experience, having held senior roles with Rovco, Baker Hughes, Oceaneering and GE Oil & Gas.

I7V owners Doug Duguid and Michael Buchan will play an increased role in Recruitment Ventures as the company looks to expand its UK and international footprint. The pair have confirmed an additional undisclosed investment to support the company’s future growth strategy.

As part of its evolution, Recruitment Ventures is streamlining operations across its divisions.

• Granite Recruitment will continue to specialise in the onshore and offshore oil and gas sectors, while expanding into new opportunities in the infrastructure market, including National Grid projects, water treatment, and substation upgrades.

• The subsea recruitment division, previously known as Omni Subsea, will be rebranded as Granite Subsea, continuing to provide recruitment and personnel solutions across global ROV, survey, diving, manufacturing, inspection, and engineering sectors.

  
  

Doug Duguid, I7V Chief Executive Officer, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Mark Gillespie to Recruitment Ventures. His extensive expertise across the energy sector adds depth and gravitas to the leadership team. Working alongside recruitment and HR expert Rhea Fraser, who will oversee operational delivery, Mark will support the business as it consolidates in existing markets and expands into the thriving infrastructure sector, which is benefiting from unprecedented investment. Michael Buchan and I will play an increased role in guiding Recruitment Ventures to realise its full potential and capture increased market share.”

Operations Director, Rhea Fraser, added:

“The energy sector faces ongoing challenges, from skills shortages and the Net Zero transition to tighter visa regulations and rising compliance costs. The Recruitment Ventures team combines deep industry knowledge with specialist recruitment expertise, positioning us to provide clients with the insight and support needed to source talent and deliver time-sensitive projects successfully.”