John Wood Group PLC, a prominent engineering and consulting firm serving the energy and built environment sectors, officially appointed Ken Gilmartin as its Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2022. Gilmartin stepped into the role after joining the company less than a year earlier in August 2021 as Chief Operating Officer. His promotion follows a comprehensive and competitive selection process that evaluated both internal and external candidates.
Gilmartin brings to the position a wealth of experience drawn from a distinguished 15-year career at Jacobs, a global technical professional services firm. During his tenure at Jacobs, he held numerous senior leadership roles encompassing executive management, operations, and project delivery. His extensive background in managing complex infrastructure and energy projects across global markets positions him well to lead Wood Group through its next phase of growth and innovation.
The decision to appoint Gilmartin underscores Wood Group’s strategic direction focused on sustainability, technological integration, and delivering value to clients in the evolving energy landscape. As the industry continues to transition toward cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, the company sees Gilmartin’s leadership as instrumental in reinforcing its commitment to decarbonization, digital transformation, and operational excellence.
Commenting on his appointment, Gilmartin expressed enthusiasm for leading the company at a pivotal moment in the energy sector. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Wood’s expertise to provide innovative and sustainable solutions that support clients in meeting their energy transition goals. His vision includes fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, and inclusion while enhancing shareholder value.
The leadership change comes at a time when Wood Group is navigating complex global challenges, including energy supply uncertainties, increasing regulatory demands, and the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure. The board of directors expressed confidence that Gilmartin’s blend of strategic insight and operational acumen will provide the direction needed to strengthen the company’s market position.
With this transition, the company aims to capitalize on Gilmartin’s dynamic leadership style and deep industry knowledge to accelerate growth and reinforce its standing as a trusted partner in delivering resilient and sustainable engineering solutions worldwide. The appointment marks a new chapter for Wood Group, reflecting its ambition to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex global environment.
