Mr Barrie has over 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry, working in private practice and as in-house general counsel for various multinational corporates with operations across Africa, India, the Middle East, Asia, the USA and the UK.

Prior to working with Gilson Gray, he was a partner at Dubai-based Al Jallaf Advocates advising several international energy and supply chain companies on major acquisitions and divestments, compliance, regulatory work and more.

Previously Mr Barrie held senior leadership roles at Reliance Industries based in Mumbai, Abu Dhabi-based International Petroleum Investment Company, Salamander Energy and Afren PLC. Earlier in his career, he held key legal roles at Total, Occidental and Enterprise Oil where he advised on the take-over by Shell in 2002.

The announcement follows the recent appointment of 20+ year industry veteran Findlay Anderson as a partner in Gilson Gray’s energy division and UK-wide corporate team, operating across its offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, East Lothian, Dundee and Lincoln.

Mr Barrie said: “Gilson Gray is going through a period of rapid growth and continues to build its reputation in the energy and oil and gas market.

“The energy sector itself is experiencing significant change, with the twin challenges of sustaining core oil & gas operations alongside transition to renewables and the drive to net zero.

“I look forward to working alongside the team’s energy experts to support our clients during this critical time.”

Mr Anderson, partner at Gilson Gray, added: “Doug brings an enviable wealth of experience to our energy division and will boost our presence in the market, both in Aberdeen and London and internationally.

“His appointment adds to our capability in the corporate and energy space, enhancing our credentials in this important sector.”