Ardersier Port’s owner Haventus announces CEO Lewis Gillies is stepping down after almost three years at the helm
A leading figure behind the development of Ardersier Port will step down after two and a half years at the helm.
Haventus , the company behind the port’s development, announced on its LinkedIn page that its CEO Lewis Gillies has decided to step down from his role, after having taken the company from a start-up to what is expected to turn soon into an operating port.
Back in 2023, when he took on the role, he had come out of retirement to lead the company.
However, he said that the future development of the business will require a “longer time horizon” than what he can commit to.
Commenting on the announcement, he said: “It’s been an honour and privilege to lead Haventus and work with a great partner like Quantum, building the Energy Transition Facility at Ardersier in the Highlands.
“The team at Haventus is exceptional and has proven anything is possible, bringing in Phase 1 of a large-scale infrastructure project in the UK, on-time and on-budget.
“However, future development and operations require a commitment of several years, a longer time horizon than I can commit to. Therefore, I have decided that now is the right time to step down from my role as CEO. Haventus has a strong Board and Executive Leadership – and will attract individuals of calibre as they expand the team.
“I will remain the biggest supporter of Haventus and the team always. I have made many friends and acquaintances across the industry during my time at Haventus, and I thank each and every one of you for the challenge, encouragement and assistance we received.”
Ian Cobban, who is the current Chief Operating Officer at Haventus, will act as interim CEO while the company seeks for a permanent replacement for Mr Gillies’ role.
Mr Cobban has been working closely with him on the development of the site and preparing for the site to become operational — which is expected to happen in late 2025.
Haventus announcement read: “Our CEO, Lewis Gillies has decided to step down from his role at Haventus. Future operations and development require a longer time horizon than Lewis can comfortably entertain.
”Lewis emerged from retirement to join us in early 2023, developing Ardersier from a brownfield site to positioning it as a potential world scale Energy Transition Facility, and a vital supporter of offshore wind deployment across the UK.
”Delivering Phase 1 of a large-scale infrastructure project at Ardersier on-time and on-budget is no easy feat for projects of this nature and scale.
”Thanks to Lewis’ contributions, vision, drive, and commitment, Haventus is well-placed for the future, with a firm foundation and a clear sense of purpose.”
Mr Cobban will now lead the commercial growth and the future development plans for the site, as interim CEO, providing strong continuity for the future growth plans of the business.