Aberdeen energy leader to focus on risk, leadership, and growth in prestigious lecture

An Aberdeen energy sector leader will take to the podium next month to deliver the prestigious Watt Hepburn Lecture. Doug Duguid - CEO of Aurora Energy Services

Doug Duguid, CEO of Aurora Energy Services and Indigo 7 Ventures, will deliver the public lecture at the University of Aberdeen on 17June. Drawing on more than 40 years of industry experience, he will offer a direct and experience-led perspective on entrepreneurship, leadership, and decision-making in his talk entitled, 'On the Edge - Not in the Hedge! Leadership and Managing Risk in a Fast-Growing Business and Changing Energy Landscape'.

From his early career as a mechanical fitter to leading international service companies, Doug will challenge traditional business thinking and highlight the importance of action, resilience, instinct, and calculated risk-taking in achieving success.

The lecture will feature real-world examples of business growth and leadership under pressure, exploring how opportunities are identified and acted upon, why risk is unavoidable, and the vital role strong teams play in building sustainable organisations. We are extremely pleased that Doug will be presenting this year's Watt Hepburn public lecture. His talk will be full of key lessons for business, policy, academics, and students based on his extensive experience in the energy industry." Professor Keith Bender

Doug Duguid is the CEO of Aurora Energy Services, an international, multi-disciplinary company supporting the global energy sector and helping to drive the transition toward a more sustainable energy future. He is also CEO of Indigo 7 Ventures, where he supports early-stage businesses in navigating challenges and scaling successfully.

Over the course of his career, Doug has founded and led major international businesses, including EnerMech, which grew to operate in 23 countries with around 4,000 employees. He previously led the management buyout of PSL Energy Services, expanding it into a global business before its sale to Halliburton.

Professor Keith Bender, the Business School's Director of External Engagement and Impact, says, "We are extremely pleased that Doug will be presenting this year's Watt Hepburn public lecture. His talk will be full of key lessons for business, policy, academics, and students based on his extensive experience in the energy industry".

The Watt Hepburn Lecture is open to the public. It takes place on 17 June at King's College Conference Centre from 5pm to 7pm. Free to attend, tickets can be booked here. Related content Notes for editors Issued by The Communications Team

Directorate of External Relations,

University of Aberdeen,

King's College,

Aberdeen Contact Euan Wemyss



Published in M2 PressWIRE on Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Copyright (C) 2026, M2 Communications Ltd.


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