Ian Wood (businessman) facts for kids

Sir Ian Clark Wood, born on July 21, 1942, is a very successful Scottish businessman. He is also a philanthropist, meaning he gives a lot of money to good causes. He is famous for his work with the Wood Group, a company that deals with North Sea oil.

Sir Ian helped transform the Wood Group from a small local business into a huge company. It now works in over 50 countries around the world. He was the chief executive of Wood Group from 1967 to 2006. After that, he was the chairman until 2012. Sir Ian is one of the richest people in Scotland.

In 2007, Sir Ian and his family started The Wood Foundation. This group helps invest money and ideas into projects that make a positive difference.

Early Life and Education

Ian Wood was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on July 21, 1942. He went to school at Robert Gordon's College. After that, he studied psychology at the University of Aberdeen. He finished his studies there in 1964.

Building a Business Empire

After university, Ian Wood joined his family's business. He quickly became the managing director in 1967. Over the years, he helped the Wood Group grow a lot.

Because of his important work, he received several special awards. In 1982, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was then knighted in 1994, which is why he is called "Sir" Ian Wood.

Sir Ian has also received special honorary degrees from several universities. These include the University of Aberdeen, The Robert Gordon University, Glasgow Caledonian University, and Heriot-Watt University. From 2004, he served as the leader, or chancellor, of Robert Gordon University.

In 2012, Sir Ian announced he would retire as chairman of Wood Group. Allister Langlands took over his role.

The Wood Foundation's Work

Sir Ian is the chairman of The Wood Foundation. This foundation focuses on two main areas. It helps poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa by making markets work better for them. It also helps young people in Scotland develop their skills and talents. The foundation uses a special approach. It invests both money and expert advice to create lasting positive changes.

Sir Ian received even more honors for his contributions. In 2016, he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE). In 2018, he was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Thistle (KT). This is a very high honor in Scotland.

Leading Robert Gordon University

Sir Ian Wood was the head of Robert Gordon University for 16 years. He stepped down from this role in 2021.

In 2010, Donald Trump was given an honorary degree from the university. Many people disagreed with this decision. Later, the degree was removed after a large number of people protested.

Personal Life

Sir Ian Wood is married to Helen Wood. They have three sons and six grandchildren. The family also has a second home near Loch Tummel in Perthshire, Scotland.

Honours and Awards

• 1982 Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
• 1984 Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree from the University of Aberdeen
• 1994 Knight Bachelor
• 1998 Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree from Robert Gordon University
• 2002 Honorary Doctor of Technology (D.Tech.) degree from Glasgow Caledonian University
• 2012 Honorary Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) degree from Heriot-Watt University
• 2016 Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE)
• 2018 Knight of the Order of the Thistle (KT)