Blog: Welcoming Catrin and Rob to Team EMEC

Please join us in welcoming our two newest members of staff.

Firstly, the newest member to the EMEC Commercial Team, Catrin Sutherland. The one-year Graduate Marketing Officer position (supported by Orkney Islands Council’s Economic Development Graduate Placement Scheme) will see Catrin support the implementation of EMEC’s marketing strategy, developing work packages for delivery to external projects, and market research activities.

Originally from Orkney, Catrin recently returned home having achieved her First Class (BA) Honours degree in Management from Robert Gordon University. For the last four years during university breaks she has been working for Orkney Aggregates Ltd within sales and marketing. Despite a strong academic background in entrepreneurship, Catrin was keen to secure a role within a local SME company.

“Having worked in local small businesses before I have always valued the quality of experience and knowledge you gain with exposure to various departments and employees. When my sister sent me the advert for the EMEC role it looked like a great opportunity to put my skills and teaching from university into a practical setting with an influential company. Having studied in Aberdeen there was an emphasis throughout university on the oil and gas industry. This sparked my interest in the energy sector, but it was clear that renewables had my focus with incredibly driven and innovative individuals. I look forward to developing my knowledge of the sector and following it closely as it evolves.”

Aside from her new role, Catrin revealed that one of the best things about moving back home was getting to immerse herself into the fantastic sporting culture in Orkney again. Previously training with the Women’s Scottish Volleyball Association, she is looking forward to starting a new chapter with her original local team who she began playing with, as well as, returning to Netball Orkney.

We also welcome Rob Ionides, who has recently joined the EMEC Operations Team as Engineering Technician. The position will see Rob split his time between EMEC’s Stromness office working on various projects and general maintenance roles, and at our pier office at Lyness looking after the Pelamis P2-002 wave energy converter. Alongside his new role, Rob owns the Beneth’ill café in Hoy.

Originally starting his career in the British Army fixing helicopters and progressing on to the Navy, Rob sought the opportunity to join Pelamis Wave Power in 2005. The role saw him work in Portugal, Stornoway and Edinburgh before ultimately securing a job in Orkney. When Pelamis went through administration in 2014 and the P2-002 was subsequently acquired by EMEC, Rob was eager to continue working in Orkney, and is delighted to have joined EMEC having worked closely with the a company over the past six years.

We wish both staff the best of luck with their new roles. For more details on the team here at EMEC, visit: Who’s who at EMEC