Scottish businessman and philanthropist Sir Ian Wood dies aged 84
Sir Ian Wood, a prominent Scottish businessman and philanthropist who transformed his family's fishing business into a global energy engineering giant, has died at age 84. He was widely recognized for his leadership in the oil and gas industry and his extensive charitable work through The Wood Foundation.
Why it matters
His passing marks the end of a significant era for the Scottish energy sector and highlights the impact of large-scale private philanthropy on economic and social development.
Image source, The Wood Family By Craig Williams BBC Scotland Published 27 July 2026, 10:37 BST Updated 9 minutes ago The Aberdeen-based businessman and philanthropist Sir Ian Wood has died aged 84, his family has announced.
Sir Ian was one of the UK oil and gas industry's most respected leaders, who turned his family's fishing boat repair yard into a global engineering player in the North Sea and internationally.
He retired as chief executive in 2006 and a year later began concentrating on his charitable work, creating The Wood Foundation, which works on social and economic inequality, especially in Scotland and sub-Saharan Africa
His family said he died peacefully at home and they would remember his "kindness, generosity, determination and unwavering commitment to his family."
Sir Ian was one of Scotland's wealthiest people , with a personal worth estimated at £1.8bn.
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