Mr Smith, who previously collaborated with Aurora owners Doug Duguid and Michael Buchan at EnerMech and PSL Energy Services, will oversee daily operations at Aurora’s Aberdeen headquarters. He brings substantial experience in the energy sector, high-level project management, and commercial roles in European, African, and Asian markets.

Aurora launched in April 2023 with the acquisitions of long-established Scottish businesses, R&M Engineering of Huntly, and rope access and training specialist Inverness Access Training Services.

The company’s business plan is to create a £100 million turnover international energy services provider over the next five years by providing services to the oil and gas sector and supporting energy transition to net-zero by targeting the wind, solar, hydrogen, carbon capture & storage, pumped hydro and waste to energy sectors.

Mr Smith’s role will be pivotal in the smooth integration of these new assets and bolstering organic growth in sustainable energy sectors.

Mr Duguid, CEO of Aurora, said Smith’s appointment would ensure the smooth integration of recent and new acquisitions which is a key component of the short term business strategy, while supporting organic growth in sustainable energy sectors.

Mr Duguid said: “Tom has been in the energy industry a long time and has worked his way up the ranks which gives him an excellent insight into running a business from the ground up. His wider experience in operations, mergers and acquisitions and renewables will be a great asset as we merge our recent acquisitions and look to add more services around the world.

“He is pragmatic, has superb people skills, and I know from working with him over the years that he has a very good cultural understanding, which is important for managing a diverse workforce and moulding the different components in to a successful customer-focused operation.

“Tom’s appointment as COO will give me greater freedom to develop the business by leading the charge into new territories and to identify potential acquisitions and new technologies which are beneficial to the Aurora service offering.”

Prior to working for Acteon, Mr Smith held a senior European business development and project management role for international strategy consultancy Calash Group and was Country Manager for EnerMech in South Korea.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in an energetic and ambitious business which is focused on developing a ‘customer-focused’ reputation in the renewables and energy transition space. Aurora has huge potential and I am really looking forward to playing a key role in the company’s organic growth and international expansion.

“I am passionate about developing a diverse workforce and I am keen to bring in fresh talent to the sector who will be excited and attracted by the training and growth opportunities we offer, and who will have a clearly defined succession route throughout their careers.”