David Currie's 40-Year Secret: How Trust Saved a Failing Plant and Works Every Time

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Taproom Talks Kenny is joined by David Currie, Chairman of Proserv. David, a veteran of the energy sector with over 40 years of experience, shares his career journey—from attending 14 different schools as a Royal Navy child to spending 29 years at FMC and holding CEO roles at Aker and JDR before becoming Chairman of ProServ. He discusses the biggest global change he has witnessed in the industry, highlighting the shift toward improved safety and talent development.The conversation offers a frank assessment of the challenges currently facing the Aberdeen energy sector, arguing that uncertainty over future government policy, rather than current taxation, is driving good companies and the essential supply chain to move overseas. David stresses the need for political consensus and a 10-year stable "runway" for investment. He also explores the current state of energy transition, expressing concern that the UK is "miles behind" in offshore wind infrastructure like the grid, which is leading companies to hand back field awards due to high connection costs. Finally, David shares his leadership philosophy, which centers on the powerful results achieved when leaders trust and enable their teams to succeed, exemplified by the story of turning around a struggling French plant at FMC