He takes over from Neil Thompson, who has resumed his role as Chief Operations Officer having successfully overseen a crucial transitional period for the Aberdeen-headquartered company.
During that time Hydrasun has further strengthened its global offering across the oil and gas, industrial and renewables industries, with targeted acquisitions that have readied the company for its next phase of growth.
Gaskell brings 25 years of international experience in the energy and industrial sectors to Hydrasun, having begun his career in investment banking. He joins from global industrial tools and services company Enerpac Tool Group, where he most recently served as Regional President for Asia Pacific, leading a multi-brand and multi-channel product and services business across India, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Australia.
During more than a decade at Enerpac (formerly Actuant Corporation), Gaskell held a series of senior leadership positions—including VP of Global Corporate Development and Global Business Development for the Energy & Industrial segments.
His appointment as CEO comes as Hydrasun marks its 50th year in business, having been established in Aberdeen in 1976.
Gaskell said: “Over the past 50 years, Hydrasun has built an international reputation for engineering excellence, technical expertise and customer service, while developing strong relationships across some of the world’s most important industrial sectors. I’m excited to continue this fantastic work as we enter a new chapter for the company.
“Hydrasun has a significant opportunity ahead as demand continues to grow for the services, technologies and expertise that support energy security and other relevant sectors, including industrial, defense, power and clean energy.
“I look forward to working with the team across our global operations to build on the strong foundations already in place, accelerate our growth strategy and continue delivering innovative solutions for our customers.”
Prior to joining Enerpac, Gaskell spent five years as Group Development Director of Viking SeaTech (formerly Viking Moorings), where he served as a main board director, playing a key role in the sale of the business to Actuant Corporation.
Earlier in his career, Gaskell spent nine years at global investment bank NM Rothschild & Sons, advising listed, private equity and privately owned companies across the energy, industrial, infrastructure and financial services sectors.
Colin Welsh, Partner at SCF Partners, Hydrasun’s parent company, said:
“James brings a wealth of international leadership experience, strategic expertise and a strong track record of driving growth across complex industrial businesses. His experience in business transformation, mergers and acquisitions and global market development will be invaluable as Hydrasun continues to expand its capabilities and support customers across the energy transition.
“I would also like to thank Neil Thompson for his leadership over the past period, during which he successfully guided the company through an important phase of transition and helped strengthen its foundations for the next stage of growth.
“As Hydrasun celebrates 50 years in business, this appointment marks an exciting next step for the company. We look forward to supporting James and the wider Hydrasun team as they build on this momentum and continue delivering sustainable growth in the years ahead.”
