'He was an exceptional businessman and an amazing man' - tributes pour in for Sir Ian Wood

Sir Ian Wood is being remembered as a "giant" of Scottish business following his death at the age of 84.

The Wood family confirmed earlier today he passed away peacefully at his home.

As well as several politicians, his links with Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland have been recognised by many other business leaders.

Martin Gilbert, Founder of Aberdeen Asset Management and Chairman of Revolut, knew Sir Ian for more than four decades.

He said:  “Sir Ian Wood was a giant of Scottish business.

"I had the privilege of knowing and working with him for more than 40 years, and his extraordinary work ethic, attention to detail and natural charisma always stood out.

"He commanded enormous respect, but he was also incredibly supportive - particularly during the early years of Aberdeen Asset Management, where his guidance and encouragement were invaluable.

“Building a truly global company from Aberdeen was a remarkable achievement, and no one has contributed more to the north-east of Scotland.

"He was an exceptional businessman and an amazing man.”

'I learned more from Sir Ian than from anyone'

In 2015, Sir Ian helped establish and was Chairman of Opportunity North East, which aimed to support diversification of the regional economy and entrepreneurship, and now focuses on digital technology, life sciences, tourism, food, drink and agriculture.

Opportunity North East Chief Executive, Jennifer Craw, said: "Sir Ian knew the north east of Scotland could compete with the very best in the world.

"He believed the private sector had both the ability and the responsibility to help build that future, working alongside government, universities and philanthropy.

"His ambition was always long term: prosperity through enterprise, investment and employment.

“When we founded Opportunity North East ten years ago, with our board members and sector boards alongside him, Sir Ian turned that conviction into action.

"He cut through complex issues, focused people on what really mattered, and brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, universities and public sector partners to turn ideas into projects we could fund, build and deliver.

"Hundreds of people give their time, expertise and influence because they share his confidence in what the north east can achieve.

“I have worked alongside Sir Ian since 2008, and I learned more from him than from anyone.

"He trusted people with responsibility and expected delivery. He encouraged us to look beyond our own organisations, learn from the best internationally and apply that thinking here in the north east.

"And whatever we had achieved, his question never changed: what else? What more can we do for the region? I will miss that question.

“Opportunity North East will continue the work Sir Ian began — with the same confidence in this region, and the same commitment to answering it, together.

'His contribution to the North East will never be forgotten'

Sir Ian was also instrumental in the creation of the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ Ltd) and served as their Chairman.

ETZ Ltd Chief Executive Maggie McGinlay said: "The legacy of Sir Ian Wood's journey from a small family business to a global energy company remains visible throughout North East Scotland, reflected in the hundreds of innovative and entrepreneurial energy supply chain companies that thrive here today.

“When Sir Ian stepped down as Chairman of Wood more than 14 years ago, he could have been forgiven for taking a well earned break.

"Instead his focus shifted to economic development and philanthropy and a key question - what next for energy?  

"He was curious about new, emerging markets, and wanted to understand where they could bring opportunity and growth for North East Scotland’s energy sector and importantly the supply chain that he so passionately championed.

"And it was this leadership and vision that led to the establishment of Energy Transition Zone Ltd (ETZ Ltd) in 2021.

“I had the privilege to work with Sir Ian for well over a decade – when he was Chair of Opportunity North East and then also of ETZ Ltd.

"Three things stood out for me.

"His desire to be ever curious; to explore opportunities in emerging markets such as digital tech and renewable energy and drive action to unlock potential for North East Scotland.

“His desire to get things done, to make a difference. It was never about talking strategy; it was

always about taking positive action.And his unquestionable commitment to North East Scotland.

"He wanted to see this region thrive for future generations and was prepared to invest

his own money as well as his time and his leadership to achieve that ambition.

“For someone of Sir Ian's stature, no individual can fill the space he leaves behind. Instead the responsibility rests with us to continue his legacy through the power of partnership, the focus on delivery and through valuing what, in Sir Ian’s own words, is this region’s greatest asset: its people’’.

Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Russell Borthwick, said: "Sir Ian Wood is one of the most influential figures in the modern history of the north-east of Scotland.

"Through his leadership, vision and determination, he helped build a world-leading business while playing an unparalleled role in shaping the region's economy and international reputation.

"Few individuals have left such a profound mark on Aberdeen and the wider region.

“Sir Ian believed passionately that business should be a force for good. Alongside his extraordinary commercial success, his philanthropy, support for education and commitment to economic development have transformed communities and created opportunities for generations.

"He was a tireless champion of the North-east, always ambitious for its future and unwavering in his belief that it could compete with the very best in the world.

“His legacy will endure in the businesses he built, the institutions he strengthened and the countless lives he touched.

"On behalf of the Chamber and the wider business community, we extend our deepest condolences to Lady Helen and Sir Ian’s family, friends and colleagues.

"The North-east has lost one of its greatest champions, and his contribution to our region will never be forgotten.”