Orbital Marine Power appoints chair

Tidal energy developer Orbital Marine Power has appointed Ian Douglas as chair as it prepares for its next phase of commercial growth.

Ian brings more than two decades of board and executive leadership experience across offshore energy, subsea infrastructure and marine engineering.

He joins from subsea cable developer XLCC, where he served as chief executive and led fundraising involving private capital, strategic investors and public funding.

Ian previously served as chief executive and vice chair of Global Marine Group, where he led two sale processes, and founded subsea telecoms business Huawei Marine Networks, now HMN Tech.

A chartered engineer, Ian also brings international experience across the UK, Europe and Asia-Pacific, alongside working with private equity, government-backed institutions and international joint ventures.

Ian said: “Tidal energy is one of the most exciting opportunities in the UK energy transition, providing predictable, home-grown power that runs to the rhythm of the tides. 

“Having spent my career helping engineering-led businesses move from proven technology into commercial scale, I recognise the moment Orbital is at. 

“The task now is building the commercial and financial foundations to deploy the company’s technology at scale, which is exactly the challenge I’m here to help the team meet.”

Ian’s appointment comes as Edinburgh-based Orbital looks to scale towards commercial, multi-project delivery following a £7 million investment from PXN Ventures and existing shareholders in December 2025.

The company has also secured new tidal energy licences in Nova Scotia, Canada, adding to Contracts for Difference already secured in the UK.

Ronnie Bonnar, board director and chair of the Search Committee, added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Ian to the board, with the levels of enthusiasm and expertise he'll bring to Orbital. 

“Ian’s vast experience in successfully scaling businesses across multiple markets will be invaluable to our next phase of growth and delivery. 

“Huge thanks go to Sian George for her leadership over the past decade and I’m pleased the board will continue to benefit from her insight as a director with us.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.