Mark Gillespie, an energy industry veteran, has been appointed director and will oversee business strategy. He has more than 35 years of experience in the oil, gas and renewables sector and will continue in his roles as chief executive officer of Recyle8 and as a director of marine energy specialist Rivtide Power.

Rhea Fraser has been promoted to operations director and will focus on the group’s day-to-day business. She joined Recruitment Ventures in 2024 and has decades of recruitment agency and in-house experience working at senior levels with global energy companies including Rovco, Baker Huges, Oceaneering and GE Oil and 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 and have confirmed they will invest an undisclosed sum to support future growth.

The company is also streamlining operations with its Granite Recruitment division continuing to specialise in the onshore and offshore oil and gas sector but targeting new opportunities in the infrastructure sector, particularly the National Grid, water treatment and substation upgrades.

The subsea recruitment division, previously known as Omni Subsea, will be rebranded and trade as Granite Subsea and will continue to recruit and supply personnel in the global ROV, survey, diving, manufacturing, inspection and engineering sectors.

Mr Duguid, I7V CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark Gillespie to Recruitment Ventures and his wide-ranging expertise across the energy sector adds depth and gravitas to the leadership team.

“Working alongside recruitment and HR expert Rhea Fraser, who will be responsible for all operational matters, Mark will support the business as it consolidates in existing markets and looks to expand in the thriving infrastructure sector which is benefiting from unprecedented large-scale investment.

“Michael Buchan and myself will play an increased role in guiding Recruitment Ventures to realise its full potential and to capture increase market share.”

Ms Fraser added: “The energy sector is facing many challenges, ranging from an ongoing skills gap, the transition to Net Zero, tighter visa regulations for foreign workers and rising compliance costs.

“The Recruitment Ventures team are knowledgeable and skilled across all of these topics and we are well-positioned to provide the expert advice and support needed by our clients to source talent and ensure the delivery and continuity of time-sensitive projects.”