Sir Ian Wood CBE is a Scottish businessman, currently serving as the chairman of Wood Group.
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Born in Aberdeen and educated at Robert Gordon's College, Wood graduated from University of Aberdeen in 1964.[1] After leaving University he joined the family business, becoming Managing Director in 1967.[1] He stepped down from his role as CEO in 2007, but remains as Chairman.[2]
He was awarded the CBE in 1982 in the New Year Honours List[1] and was knighted in 1994 in the New Year Honours List.[3]
He was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters by Aberdeen University in 1984, of Doctor of Business Administration by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in 1998[1] and Doctor of Technology by Glasgow Caledonian University in 2002.[1]
Since 2004, he has been the Chancellor of Robert Gordon University.[1]
On April 20, 2010, Aberdeen City Council accepted his "donation" of up to £50m, towards a project of £140m to redesign the Union Terrace Gardens,[4][5] despite a 55% vote against the project,[6] preference of the people for an alternative option,[7] and the absence of any funds to cover the remaining costs of the project. The project is heavily supported by local businesses and Peacock Visual Arts alternative proposals had planning permission and support from the Creative Scotland.[8] Wood's offer has also been called "generous but misguided" in the Scottish Review.[9]
"Business is all about understanding people's motivations. But people often hide their real feelings behind a front."
"Universities are very political, working by a strange form of democracy. I like straightforward lines of control."
"I used to believe in a democratic system but really if you look at the results yielded by democracy you realise most people don't know what they are talking about. A select few should make informed decisions for the masses. I am willing to do the selecting.”