New global director drives business growth for Well-SENSE

10/02/2020
Stuart Black

WELL-SENSE has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of a new director to assist with the company’s strategic growth plans.

Stuart Black, who joined the downhole sensing technology specialist last month (January), has more than 12 years’ experience within the energy and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) sectors, specialising in strategic planning and corporate development.

Based at the company’s Aberdeen headquarters, Mr Black joins Well-SENSE from Baxter’s Food Group where he held the role of head of corporate and strategic projects reporting to the group board. Prior to this he worked in the energy sector, specialising in corporate finance, business development and strategy, working with Johnston Carmichael, Evercore and Simmons Energy

Founded in 2015, Well-SENSE was established by technology director Dan Purkis, a highly regarded industry figure, who has been granted more than 50 patents for his innovative and world-first technologies. Well-SENSE’s compact FiberLine Intervention (“FLI”) technology is the only bare optical fibre downhole sensing system on the market with the capability to combine distributed and single-point data acquisition into one low cost, low risk solution. It is proven to deliver substantial safety, time and cost efficiencies when compared to data acquisition using conventional well intervention methodologies.

Last year, the company’s FLI technology was successfully commercialised and deployed in support of oil and gas operations in the North Sea, Malaysia and the United States. Having quickly gained credible traction in this core market, Well-SENSE is looking to develop FLI’s field applications experience, embed new technology and broaden its appeal across sectors.

Expressions of interest have been growing from other industries keen to explore the use of FLI. Due to this market driven demand, Mr Black has been brought onboard to help direct the business’ strategic and commercial growth plans, and further develop both new and existing opportunities.  

Mr Black said: “I am passionate about the energy industry and understand the pressures it is currently facing. FLI is disrupting conventional methods of well interrogation and can provide significant advantages to the operator. It is a safer, faster, more cost-effective solution, delivering high quality data over the entire length of the wellbore. To be part of this great team, which is constantly challenging the norm and innovating, is incredibly exciting.”

Craig Feherty, Well-SENSE CEO said: “Stuart’s background in strategy and corporate development will prove invaluable as we continue to expand the reach of our product and service offering. As Well-SENSE continues to grow, we are keen to expand our team with people who make us think differently and challenge traditional ways of working. We have gained significant traction over the last year and Stuart’s experience, together with his dynamic and ambitious attitude is exactly what we need to capitalise on our opportunities.”

With its headquarters, innovation and R&D hub strategically positioned in Aberdeen, Scotland, Well-SENSE also has a manufacturing facility in Hampshire, England, and an established commercial operation in Houston, US.

Well-SENSE, alongside ClearWELL, Unity and Pragma, is part of the Aberdeen based FrontRow Energy Technology Group.

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