Obituary: Sir Ian Wood

Sir Ian's relationship with RGU was defined by a shared commitment to the values that shaped both his career and our institution's identity. RGU's focus on employability, innovation, industry collaboration and applied learning closely reflected Sir Ian's lifelong dedication to building strong links between education and business, supporting entrepreneurship, investing in skills development and promoting Aberdeen on the international stage.

Sir Ian's connection with RGU spanned more than two decades. Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 1998 in recognition of his exceptional contribution to business and industry, he later served as Chancellor from 2004 to 2020, becoming one of the figures most closely associated with the University's modern development. He represented RGU at major events, presided over graduation ceremonies and played an important role in strengthening the University's relationships with industry.

It was during his tenure as Chancellor that our University further established its reputation as a professionally focused university with strong employer connections, laying the foundations for the work-integrated university it strives to be today. His leadership, advocacy and support helped advance the University's role as a driver of economic and social development across the region.

A lasting symbol of his association with RGU is the Sir Ian Wood Building on our Garthdee campus. Officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal on 2 July 2015 and named in his honour, the building reflects his commitment to education, innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of future generations of leaders.

As one of the most influential business figures in modern Aberdeen and the driving force behind Wood Group's growth, Sir Ian transformed a local engineering business into a global energy services company. In doing so, he made a significant contribution to Aberdeen's emergence as an internationally recognised centre of energy expertise.

His commitment to the future prosperity of the North East extended far beyond business. As Chairman of Opportunity North East (ONE), Chair of ETZ Ltd and founding Chairman of the Oil & Gas Technology Centre, now the Net Zero Technology Centre, he championed economic diversification, innovation and the energy transition. Through these roles, he demonstrated an unwavering belief in the region's ability to adapt and thrive, helping to create new opportunities across sectors including energy, digital technology, food and drink and life sciences.

Beyond his business and civic leadership, Sir Ian was a passionate philanthropist. Through The Wood Foundation, he supported education, young people and economic development initiatives in Scotland and Africa, improving opportunities and outcomes for countless individuals and communities.

As we reflect on Sir Ian's extraordinary life and legacy, we do so with deep gratitude for all that he gave to our University, our city and our region. His vision, leadership and generosity helped shape opportunities for countless individuals and strengthened the bonds between education, industry and community.

While his passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the story of Aberdeen and RGU, his influence will continue to be felt through the students he inspired, the institutions he strengthened and the lives he changed. Sir Ian leaves a legacy of ambition, enterprise and service that will endure for generations to come, and he will be remembered with immense respect, admiration and affection by all who had the privilege of working with him and benefiting from his commitment to making a lasting difference.