The UK Operator Stamp: How John Anderson is Using North Sea Credibility to Win Big in Namibia and West Africa

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Kenny Dooley is joined by John Anderson of Exceed, a Kent Company, and we learn that even the best-laid career plans can go wonderfully off track. How do you go from a trainee drilling engineer, getting hands-on, roughneck-level experience in the challenging Southern North Sea, to suddenly realizing you’ve spent 15 years on the commercial side of the business? John shares the story of how his self-proclaimed six-month stint overseeing contracts turned into a decade and a half, and what it’s like to wake up one morning as an industry veteran.John walks us through the high-stakes journey of Exceed—from its rebirth as a small team after a devastating downturn, to the strategic decision to join Kent. He details why finding the right cultural fit was non-negotiable during the managed sales process, and how Exceed’s status as a licensed UK well operator is now giving them a global footprint in new geographies like Namibia and West Africa. For a glimpse into the future, hear about their cutting-edge work in energy transition, where Exceed is helping to pioneer new API standards for hydrogen wells, even using NASA testing procedures to verify safety.When he’s not navigating complex international deals, John finds unique ways to switch off. Hear about his beloved Banchory petting zoo, home to a variety of animals including pygmy goats and potbelly pigs, and his passion project as Vice Chairman of Banchory Community Football Club, where he’s working on securing funding for a vital Astroturf pitch for the community’s 480 players. Don't be a sheep: pull up a chair, grab a pint, and join this warm, honest chat about building a legacy, embracing change, and the perks of seeing the world in the energy industry.