UK subsea cable manufacturer XLCC said its chief executive, Ian Douglas, has decided to step down, as the company said the next phase of its development requires a longer-term leadership commitment.
XLCC, which plans to build a new factory at the former Hunterston terminal in Ayrshire, Scotland, said Douglas will remain a shareholder and continue to serve as a non-executive director and adviser. He joined the company from Global Marine Group in March 2023.
The company appointed Chief Sales and Delivery Officer Ragnhild Katteland as chief executive officer designate. Katteland is a former chief executive of Nexans Norway.
“I am delighted to become CEO designate of XLCC at such a pivotal moment,” Katteland said. “I look forward to working with the team to build a world-class high voltage cable business in Scotland.”
She added that the company would play “a vital role in supporting the UK and European energy markets as they deliver their transition ambitions.”
XLCC also said former Haventus CEO Lewis Gillies has joined the company as executive chairman designate.
“I would like to thank Ian for his contributions to the development of XLCC; he has put very solid foundations in place,” Gillies said.
He said the company would take a different approach over the coming year. “I am very excited to join the company and delighted to appoint Ragnhild as our new CEO designate. She brings significant experience of the high voltage cable sector,” Gillies added. “The coming year will see a change in approach from the company, and I look forward to working with Ragnhild.”
