Subsea7’s Robert Crofts has taken over the helm of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) Project Management Steering Group (PMSG).
He replaces Infinity Engineering Technical Director Mark Fotheringham, who has been a member of the group for five years, three as Chair and one as Vice-Chair.
Robert, who is Operations Manager and deals with project management (PM) functions at Subsea7, has been working in the subsea and offshore industry for more than 20 years, with a considerable portion of this time spent directly or indirectly involved with project management.
His current role at Subsea7 includes leadership overview and development of project performance and risk management activities.
Robert was previously involved in several PMSG initiatives, benefitting from the first round of Registered Project Professionals (RPP) and also participating in the ECITB mentoring programme.
Mark Fotheringham (right) has passed the baton to Robert Crofts (left) as Chair of the Project Management Steering Group
Having been out of the country for several years, Robert is now spending more time in Aberdeenshire and is keen to rejoin the project management community and contribute to the PMSG.
He said: “One way or another I have been involved with projects for many years. During my time at Subsea7 I have had a project management role, which has led on to working with project supply chains and laterally focusing on project performance in a project management office (PMO) type role.
“I enjoyed participating in PMSG activities in the past and I’m keen to get involved again, contribute to the future of the group and actively take the project management profession forward.”
Pursuit of professional excellence
The PMSG is made up of representatives from leading oil and gas, renewables and energy transition companies and related stakeholders, primarily in North East Scotland but with some membership from North West England.
The advisory group aims to drive and positively influence the skills and competency development for project management and project leadership, with a vision to continually promote best practice project execution across the engineering construction industry.
Andy Brown, who is Chief Operating Officer at the ECITB and its lead on the PMSG, said: “The position of Chair on the group is very much being passed on from one safe pair of hands to another.
“As a senior project leader at Subsea7, which works across several sectors of the energy industry, Robert will help bring a breadth of leadership to the group.”
Mark, who is also a trustee and board member of North East Scotland College (NESCol), is stepping down as chair due to his new role as member of the ECITB Board and because he felt “it was time the PMSG had an injection of fresh perspective and energy”.
“I have enjoyed being associated with the professional ambition of improving project management competency, advocating the benefits of learning and professional development, debating the direction of the project management profession and delivering a conference* dedicated to project professionals every two years,” said Mark.
“I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my professional thoughts and opinions, particularly through mentoring.
“In passing the Chair role over to Robert, I am confident he will feel welcomed and supported by the fantastic people dedicating their discretionary time to the pursuit of professional excellence.
“Robert has himself benefited from a historical relationship with the ECITB and PMSG, and I am excited to see the direction the group takes under his guidance in the face of the largest industrial challenge of our lifetime.”
Influential part of the project management community
The working group meets six times a year either in-person in the Aberdeen area or virtually. Membership of the PMSG is open to engineering construction companies and asset owners involved in the energy transition and related activities, from legacy production of fossil fuel to renewables and future energy systems.
The objectives of the PMSG include advising the ECITB in identifying and developing suitable learning and training interventions, which address the project management and leadership needs of the industry.
“The PMSG has contributed to the project management careers of many. I want us to continue to be this strong and influential part of the project management community,” added Robert.
“We recognise that the project landscape continues to change. We can evolve to address these new challenges and help the PM community be best placed for the future.
“Mark has been a positive influence on the PMSG. His work to advocate for the benefits of the PMSG and ultimately for the outcomes we are striving towards has been recognised by many.”
Robert Crofts has project management roles at Subsea7
*The PMSG holds a biennial Project Management Conference to share the latest practice and work undertaken by members of the group. The last conference took place in May 2023 and was centred on Shaping our Energy Future – Project Managing the Change.