Pictured, from left, are Anna Maclaren, Dan Byrne, Angela Burnett and Michael Howie

The Energy Institute Aberdeen, Highlands & Islands branch has announced the appointment of a new leadership team to drive forward its activities across the region.

Leading the EI’s largest branch outside London is Michael Howie who has been appointed as the new Chairman. With over 14 years’ experience leading strategic development and market intelligence in the energy sector, Michael currently leads long-term growth initiatives for a leading EPC company in Aberdeen. 

An active EI member for nearly a decade, he previously chaired the Aberdeen, Highlands & Islands Young Professionals Network, served as a Trustee of the Energy Institute, and represented young professionals on the Energy Institute Council (2022–2025).

Supporting him are three new vice chairs:

• Angela Burnett, Vice Chair - Professional Development & Community Engagement, brings over 23 years of sector experience, having held a variety of technical roles within leading operators and service companies.  She currently works at Imrandd delivering projects for major operators.  Angela has been actively involved with the local EI for the past ten years particularly, actively encouraging young people to develop careers in the energy industry, including eight years as a committee member.
• Dan Byrne, Vice Chair - Technical Programme, brings over 36 years of diverse engineering, operations, project management, decommissioning, and process safety experience gained across the upstream oil and gas sector in the UKCS and the USA.  Dan is passionate about continued professional development, and in helping others build their own technical, behavioural and leadership competencies.
• Anna MacLaren, Vice Chair - Corporate Engagement, leads marketing and communications for Energy Transition Zone Ltd.  Anna is a committed advocate for local young professionals, actively championing opportunities for the next generation to thrive in industry.  She has contributed over five years of support to the Energy Institute in North East Scotland and will focus further championing growth and collaboration across the sector.

Together, the committee will focus on three core pillars of activity – a new exclusive thought-leadership and networking series for mid- to senior-career professionals; a programme of high-calibre technical sessions showcasing best practice and innovation across the energy spectrum; and an expanded professional and community engagement agenda to strengthen links between industry, academia and local communities.

Commenting on the appointment of the new leadership team Michael Howie, EI Aberdeen, Highlands & Islands branch chairman said: 
“I am proud to be elected as the new chairman of the AHI branch, and I look forward to transforming the branch offering for 2026 and beyond.

“This region has long been at the forefront of energy innovation, from our world-class offshore industry to ground-breaking developments in the renewables sector. Our mission is to connect energy professionals, foster meaningful relationships, and collaborate through knowledge-sharing and interactive discussions, empowering members to influence the future of the energy sector.

“We have designed a fantastic programme of events for next year, ranging from technical presentations, private dinners with industry leaders as well as social networking events. We want to create unique experiences for our members, break down barriers, and inspire organic collaboration. I am really looking forward to launching next year.”

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