30 Under 30 List 2025
We are delighted to announce the winners of this year's competition and spotlight Aberdeen's most inspiring and dedicated young professionals.
A group of outstanding young professionals whose talent, drive and achievements showcase the very best of Aberdeen's next generation. These individuals are already making a real impact across business, community and culture, and their success proves our city's future is in exceptional hands.
AYP's 30 Under 30 List is a competition that lets people put forward nominees under the age of 30 that have demonstrated scale and quality in their work had an exceptional impact on their chosen field and on Aberdeen's professional landscape.
Aberdeen's 30 Under 30
Adam Joji Managing Director, GRPZ Sports Adam is an intelligent entrepreneur. He knows his product, he knows his audience but most importantly, he knows himself. His audience has gone from local to global almost instantly and GRPZ is now the Academy partner of an English Premier League football team, most recently Burnley FC. Adam is successful but, you’d never know just how successful just from meeting him and talking to him. He is approachable, kind and incredibly down to earth, taking time out of his day to engage with school children to inspire them and show them what you can build if you put the work.
Andreas Calusa Mechanical Engineer, Aker Solutions Andreas has a strong vision of blending engineering, tech innovation, and social impact to drive change. He has worked on major engineering contracts with clients such as BP and Ørsted, reinforcing both the local and the global energy sector. He founded Brain Titan (Agentic AI and decentralised identity cutting-edge services) whilst aspiring for energy cybersecurity innovation. As a Director on the board of Horizon Housing Association, he has shaped sustainable, diverse and inclusive housing for vulnerable residents throughout Scotland to enhance equity and accessibility. His vision is to secure Aberdeen’s digital energy future through innovative tech and to further strengthen community advocacy, to provide Aberdeen with sustainable and inclusive growth.
Andy Craig Director, ATC Flooring Andy started his business at 21 years old and turned a profit of £300k within 5 years. He has created a well-known and respected reputation on skilled craftsmanship, hard work and dedication and his clients include Rolex, Louis Vuitton, celebrities and professional footballers. He is constantly stepping out of his comfort zone engaging with clients, site agents and interior designers to deliver on prestigious and bespoke jobs across in the country. After growing up in council estate and dropping out of school he demonstrates that, regardless background, wealth or age, if you have the correct mindset, you can and will succeed in business.
Andy Dawson Limited Director, SIGMA Aberdeen At 16, Andy turned down university offers to pursue a passion for cutting hair. By 18, he was running a six-figure business from Aberdeen, teaching, mentoring, and travelling the world while representing his city on an international stage. Along the way, he’s earned prestigious industry awards, but his greatest achievement is proving that with passion, resilience, and the courage to take risks, you can create your own definition of success. With commitment, creativity, and the power of social media, he’s built a business and personal brand that continually opens doors and creates possibilities. His journey demonstrates that success isn’t limited to the university path.
Anna MacLaren Communications, Marketing & Events Manager, Energy Transition Zone Ltd Anna leads a team of fellow marketers and communicators, manages stakeholder engagement activities, external communications and more, while chairing an SPE committee and supporting the EIYPN organisation. Anna is a facilitator for opportunity and a creative connector. She enables people to grow, and as a result she grows alongside them. She has a vision for what Aberdeen and wider regions can be, and she sees the role that networks play in making people feel involved, so they can evolve. Anna both inspires and embodies the spirit of Young Leadership because of her unwavering support to enable the next generation to power change, opportunity and growth in Aberdeen.
Aspen Kissinger Product Growth Lead, Fennex What sets Aspen apart is their curiosity, agility, and talent for rallying teams around ambitious goals. Aspen’s impact has contributed to Fennex recently winning the prestigious King’s Award, underscoring their role in its rapid success. Aspen has represented Fennex at major industry events, presenting at conferences and exhibitions including the Scottish Energy Futures Conference. Aspen exemplifies the spirit of young leadership in Aberdeen through their role as Co-Chair of the AREG Young Professionals Network. In this position, they actively contribute to the planning and delivery of events that bring together emerging talent across the energy industry, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and career development.
Chloe Giles Sales and Marketing Executive, Pier Solutions Chloe stands out due to her unwavering commitment to the renewable energy sector and her impactful contributions as a Sales and Marketing Executive at Pier Solutions. She has secured £45,000 in funding for offshore wind innovation and £42,000 for a pyrolysis project, has organised 28 industry events and has significantly boosted engagement for Pier Solutions by over 300%. Moreover, she champions gender diversity, mentoring young professionals and advocating for women's representation in the energy sector. Her role as a member of the EIYPN committee and her initiatives, such as developing a Young Women in Energy networking group, highlight her dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.
Craig Mann Project Manager, Altrad Integrity Services Craig started at AIS on placement from university as a Project Co-ordinator and quickly progressed into a Project Engineer role and then to a Project Manager for the Forties Field, for Apache. This rapid progression shows the potential and eagerness to learn. He has been an integral part of founding the early careers network at AIS, hosting meaningful and in-depth sessions on everything from financial wellbeing to health and wellbeing in the workplace. He has a desire and passion for seeing and assisting his early careers peers to succeed and be the best they can be by creating a positive and engaging environment for all.
David Kindness Social Impact Manager, Robertson Construction Eastern David’s fresh perspective has brought creativity and innovation to his role, resulting in over 130 impactful activities delivered over the past year, directly supporting 3,000+ individuals across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. His work includes 120+ workshops in education, employability, and STEM; 50+ school engagements reaching 2,600+ young people; and 51 work experience placements for pupils, NEET individuals, and the long-term unemployed. He facilitated £17,000+ in material and in-kind donations to local community and third sector organisations. David exemplifies the spirit of young leadership in Aberdeen. He brings energy, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose to his role, consistently driving measurable impact.
Emma Campbell Marketing & Communications Manager, THREE60 Energy Group Emma is a shining example of the next generation of leaders in Aberdeen. In her first role after university, she reinvigorated a tired marketing department, securing her own marketing budget, advising on overall business strategy, and coaching her colleagues to understand the true value of marketing in driving growth. After just three years in the industry Emma is now Group Marketing and Communications at THREE60 Energy, responsible for every aspect of the company’s marketing and communications across six service lines and 25 global sites. Her ability to juggle such a wide remit, at a global scale, is an achievement that speaks volumes about her capability and work ethic.
Finn Semmler Treasury Analyst, Ithaca Energy UK Ltd Finn started his career working on financial analytics for Diageo aged 16 and moved into the E&P upstream oil and gas industry at 17, working for 2 of Aberdeen’s independents. He has overseen and experienced an IPO and billions of dollars’ worth of acquisitions over the course of his career. He is currently working towards his chartered accountancy with ACCA while in full time employment and is also a talented musician, playing with the 3-time world pipe band championship winning band Buchan Peterson. Finn has inspired others through the drive and determination of his work and ethos despite having almost always been the youngest in the room.
Glen Smith Property Manager, Port of Aberdeen At only 29 Glen manages the estate of Scotland’s largest and busiest Port. He was instrumental in delivering Tall Ships 2025, Europe’s largest free family event. He has also helped secure the O&M base for the world’s first industrial scale floating wind farm (greenviolt) which will be the first domino in securing a renewables future for Aberdeen and generating thousands of local jobs. Despite his success and importance to Port of Aberdeen, Glen has remained humble, friendly and proactive. He is a mental health first aider for Port of Aberdeen and his kind nature is why he was chosen for this role.
Greg Fairley GTM Campaign Manager, Fifth Ring Greg has risen swiftly over 2.5 years from PR Intern to Marketing Assistant and now Senior Campaign Executive owing to his work ethic and commitment. He is a young professional who exemplifies focus, resilience, and quiet determination; he is widely seen as a “trusted pair of hands”. Driven by a desire to find work he was passionate about, he moved from studying law to biomedical science (where he graduated with First Class Honours) then chose to pursue a completely new direction in marketing. He proves that there’s no single ‘right’ way to succeed and that real growth often comes from taking risks, starting over, and committing fully to the process.
Jamie Shingler Rope Access Technician, Altrad Integrity Services (AIS) Jamie plays a fantastic and important role within his company. He is an active and engaged co-host for the AIS 'Early Career Network' and encourages colleagues to get involved in the initiatives within AIS, including the employee networks, CSR groups and Employee Rep meetings. He also participates in mentorship through AIS, with pupils from Meldrum Academy. After starting out as an apprentice (where he won the OEUK Apprentice of the Year Award), he is now undertaking a graduate apprenticeship in business management off of his own back. He displays great hunger for improvement and acts as a great role model for the network.
Jo-Ann De Sykes Social Care Contracts Manager, Aberdeen City Council Jo-Ann is redefining how public services in the North East measure and act on social value. Her work has influenced both local and national strategies to better recruit, retain, and empower volunteers. Jo-Ann led the first Social Return on Investment and Return on Investment analysis of Special Constables for the whole of Scotland, providing a national evidence base that had never existed before. In her work she ensures that those most affected by poverty have a direct role in shaping the policies and programmes intended to support them. This approach has created a continuous feedback loop, driving service improvements and ensuring that dignity, inclusion, and measurable impact remain at the heart of delivery.
John-Sigvard Njau Leader Logistics Operations and Emergency Response, Equinor John’s achievements are remarkable: rising from a 2020 Equinor intern to Leader of Logistics Operations and Emergency Response in 2024. He has co-authored three peer-reviewed papers, founded the Pan-African Students Union of Stavanger (2017-2021) and served as Student Parliament member (2019-2020) and Inspector Assistant (2017-2021). His Tanzanian roots, Norwegian education, and UK leadership embody resilience and cross-cultural impact, inspiring a new generation to merge sustainability with industry excellence. Volunteering with MSF Norway and student governance reflects his community focus, embodying grit and growth. Endorsed by mentors like Professor Kelland and Equinor executives, John’s resilience and vision uplift the region’s transition to a greener future.
Kelci Graham Business Development Manager, Neospace Kelci has played a key role in shaping Neospace into one of Aberdeen’s most successful business hubs. Her work has been cited as a major factor in many people’s decision to move to, stay within, or revisit Neospace and she leads by example mentoring young professionals, championing inclusive workplace culture, and showing her own children that motherhood and career ambitions are not mutually exclusive. Kelci leads with empathy, energy, and emotional intelligence, championing the power of human connection in business development, whether by vulnerability and authenticity or simply fun, uplifting energy. She is a testament to hospitality and a vital role model for young women in Aberdeen.
Kushagra Kohli Operations Engineer, Shell UK Kush exemplifies exceptionalism through his rare blend of technical depth, strategic foresight, and people-first leadership. In under seven years, he has held four roles and delivered over £40M in additional revenue, including major optimisations that supported Scotland’s gas supply. Outside working hours, Kush actively contributes to the industry: he has spoken at national forums, mentored students, hosted CV clinics, and engaged with over 1,000 school pupils to inspire future energy leaders. As Chair of Shell UK’s Young Professional Committee, he led a volunteer team to deliver a record 40 events in one year. Kush’s initiative, humility, and impact make him a role model for the next generation of professionals.
Lauren Ironside Freelance Marketing Specialist Lauren has an impressive portfolio having worked with brands like Aardman Animations, The Open, Dean’s Shortbread, Mondottica, yet she remains grounded and approachable. As a lecturer at RGU, she led postgraduate students through complex digital topics, showcasing her commitment to nurturing future talent through empowering students to think critically, take ownership, and believe in their potential. Working at Dean's, she helped launch a brand-new e-commerce site and delivered digital campaigns alongside Aardman Animations and The Open. She’s strategic but creative, analytical but hands-on, mentoring over 100 digital marketing students and giving them access to real client projects.
Lee Salisbury Project Engineer III, Wood PLC Since starting his career in November 2022, Lee has been promoted 3 times and completed his graduate programme with Balmoral in record breaking time (11 months). In his role with Wood, he has become the Risk Management Champion, Cost Savings and Innovation Champion, 4D Challenge Leader and Mental Health Wellbeing Champion. He has successfully delivered over £25million worth of projects in the energy industry and is committee secretary for EIYPN as well as volunteering with Macmillan Cancer Support. Lee is working towards becoming a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) in the near future and uses his platform to promote professional growth in others.
Mackenzie Liddelow Business Development Bid Solution Manager, Sodexo Mackenzie made the life-changing decision to relocate from Australia to Aberdeen in 2023, to take up her new role as Bid Solution Manager with Sodexo’s Energy & Resources (E&R) sector in the UK & Ireland. She arrived just as the business development team was looking to revitalise its bidding process and Mackenzie has been the key player, driving significant improvement. She is an exceptional advocate for community and charity work, having stepped into the role of Stop Hunger (Sodexo’s Foundation) Champion for E&R in the UK. Her team achieved 110% of its volunteering target in the first 6 months of the year
Millie Wilson Offshore Training and Competency Coordinator, James Fisher From starting in her role 1.5 years ago fresh from completing her Business Administration apprenticeship, Millie has flourished into a key contact for all training and competency initiatives across the business globally. From apprentice to trusted coordinator, Millie has consistently demonstrated a maturity, drive, and professionalism well beyond her years. Through her work in the training department, she has looked outside the box and highlighted mental health and safety in the workplace. She has proudly represented James Fisher at Girls in Energy events and acts as a mentor to school pupils, inspiring the next generation of female leaders in STEM.
Mitchell Cheyne Tender Co-ordinator, IKM Testing UK Limited Starting as a junior in the business, Mitch quickly demonstrated sharp business acumen and was promoted to Tender Coordinator in only two years. This year alone, he has secured contracts worth over seven figures in revenue (excluding existing frame agreements). Mitch consistently supports newer team members, offering guidance and encouragement. He brings fresh ideas to the table and actively contributes to the business culture. He leads the Sports and Social Committee and ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions focused on mental health which benefit the entire company, fostering open discussions while also raising funds for charitable causes.
Natalie Leader Project Engineer, Natural Power Consultancy Natalie uses her lived experience to bridge the gap between communities and the energy industry. Within Natural Power, she founded a neurodiversity network to raise awareness and provide support for colleagues. She has focused on supporting marginalised communities, ensuring those most affected by the energy transition are among the first to benefit. Through volunteering with the 2050 Climate Group’s policy team, she is organising a youth-led, collaborative fuel poverty roundtable and will also present at RenewableUK’s Floating Offshore Wind Conference, highlighting equitable solutions to alleviating fuel poverty. These achievements reflect her determination to bridge industry, policy, and communities so the energy transition delivers not only progress, but justice.
Niamh Carr Hydrogen Project Development Officer, The James Hutton Institute Niamh is an emerging leader in Scotland’s energy transition, combining technical expertise with an ability to connect people and ideas across sectors. She has been at the forefront of pioneering projects that integrate renewable energy, hydrogen production, and storage solutions; work that is shaping the future of sustainable energy systems in rural communities, successfully building partnerships across Scottish Government, industry, and academia, securing buy-in for projects that accelerate Scotland’s net-zero ambitions. She is regularly selected to speak at conferences across Scotland within the hydrogen and energy transition space and is involved with EIYPN and Women in Hydrogen Scotland. Niamh embodies the future of Aberdeen’s energy sector: ambitious, collaborative, and purpose-driven.
Rebecca Morrice HR Advisor, TAQA Well Completions Rebecca’s resilience, "can-do" spirit, and commitment to excellence have not only elevated her individual growth but also set new standards for her team and peers. At a notably early stage in her career, she assumed responsibility for leading the Well Completions HR department, demonstrating not only a natural aptitude for leadership but also the vision and discipline to deliver results that matter. Her leadership extends beyond local operations, as she has successfully taken on a global HR role overseeing complex initiatives in compensation and workforce management. Beyond work, Rebecca contributes to Aberdeen’s community as a talented performer, raising funds for local charities.
Ross Aitken Financial Planner, VT Wealth Ross has broken through every ceiling set by SJP/VT Wealth over the past 5.5 years in a sector where the average age of a Financial Planner in the UK is mid 50’s. He has engaged university students to give them the appetite and confidence to consider a career in Financial Services and has inspired his peers in the SJP Growth & Development Programme. Within two years of becoming professionally qualified, Ross is managing a portfolio of 200 clients (a combined wealth of £27m). He has a real passion to make a tangible difference to people's lives through providing exceptional financial planning advice at all stages of client life journey.
Ross Mitchell Project Manager, Petrofac Ross transitioned from the utilities industry into oil & gas 2.5 years ago and has progressing from Project Engineer through Senior Project Engineer and Project Engineering to Lead Project Manager overseeing four active contracts upwards of £80m. Prior to joining oil & gas, he actively engaged with the Scottish Government and resilience groups and led the creation of community resilience plans to support remote areas and vulnerable individuals. He has also represented SSEN at Scottish Parliament investigations. He currently mentors two Project Controls trainees and is co-chair of Petrofac’s multinational employee network group, Aspire, which champions professional development, inclusion, and cross-regional collaboration.
Tim Karadzic Digital Marketing Manager, Maersk Training Tim has shown what real leadership looks like, not by talking about it, but by getting stuck in and delivering results. Tim took ownership of Maersk’s digital presence from day one, building everything from scratch. He sees the bigger picture, but he’s also willing to do the hard work needed to bring it to life. That attitude reflects Maersk’s value of Constant Care, thinking long-term, doing things properly, and never settling for good enough. Coming from a different cultural background, he has a natural ability to communicate across cultures and somehow always has a Slovenian saying that fits the situation perfectly.
Tylor Webb Marketing Co-ordinator, IKM Testing UK Limited Since joining the team in May 2024, Taylor has overseen the redesign of the company website, optimising both its usability and performance, and ensuring the brand is represented at the highest standard including designing and optimising Google and Bing business profiles. Taylor has managed the design and delivery of exhibition stands at multiple industry events, including Offshore Europe, where her vision helped gain more than 100 opportunities for new business. Feedback from colleagues regularly highlights her positivity, professionalism and collaborative approach, with “nothing is unachievable” attitude inspiring confidence and delivering results even when deadlines are tight.
