Ian Wood (businessman) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Ian Wood KT GBE
Coat of arms, as displayed at the Thistle Chapel, Edinburgh.
Born	Ian Clark Wood (1942-07-21) 21 July 1942 (age 83) Aberdeen, Scotland
Education	Robert Gordon's College
Alma mater	University of Aberdeen
Occupation	Businessman
Known for	Former CEO of Wood Group
Spouse(s)	Helen Wood
Children	3

Sir Ian Clark Wood (born 21 July 1942) is a Scottish businessman and a generous giver to good causes, known as a philanthropist. He is famous for his work in the North Sea oil industry. He helped transform his family's company, Wood Group, from a small local business into a huge international company. Wood Group now works in over 50 countries around the world.

Sir Ian was the chief executive of Wood Group from 1967 to 2006. He then served as chairman until 2012. He is one of Scotland's wealthiest people.

In 2007, Sir Ian and his family started The Wood Foundation. This organization helps people by investing money and ideas into important projects.

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 and finished his studies in 1964.

Career Highlights

After university, Ian Wood joined his family's business. He became the managing director in 1967. Over the years, he received several special awards for his contributions. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1982. Later, he was knighted in 1994, which means he received the title "Sir."

Universities have also given him honorary doctorates. These are special degrees given to people who have achieved great things. He received them from the University of Aberdeen, The Robert Gordon University, Glasgow Caledonian University, and Heriot-Watt University. Since 2004, he has also served as the leader, or chancellor, of The Robert Gordon University.

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

The Wood Foundation

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 finding ways for them to earn money. It also works to help young people in Scotland develop their skills and talents. The foundation uses a special approach called "venture philanthropy." This means they don't just give money; they also share their knowledge and expertise to create lasting positive changes.

In 2016, Sir Ian received an even higher honour. He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for his services to the oil and gas industry. In 2018, he was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Thistle (KT). This is one of Scotland's highest honours.

Leading Robert Gordon University

Sir Ian Wood was the head of Robert Gordon University for 16 years, stepping down in 2021. During his time there, in 2010, Donald Trump was given an honorary degree from the university. However, many people disagreed with this decision. A large number of people signed a petition, and the university later removed the degree. This happened because people felt that Mr. Trump's actions did not match the values of the university.

Personal Life

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

Honours and Awards

Arms of Sir Ian Wood

• 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)