The Team
Richard T. Strachan
Richard is CEO and founder of Speedwell Energy a development and production company focused on the UKCS. An oil and gas professional with over 30 years experience having worked for both oil & gas companies and contracting organisations at a senior level within the UKCS. His experience covers all aspects of developing, operating and maintaining oil and gas facilities from onshore gas terminals through to subsea, fixed and floating facilities. Richard held Director and Managing Director roles in engineering design, construction and field development companies and has a flair for developing and offering novel commercial business propositions to stimulate business growth and increase company profitability. He is a driven individual with the highest level of HSE leadership, business ethics and professionalism
Richard is a Chartered Engineer and European Chartered Engineer. He has a B.Sc. Honours awarded from Robert Gordons Institute of Technology an MS.c awarded from Aberdeen University and is a fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Jim Ritchie
Jim is the Speedwell Energy Subsurface Director and has worked in the petroleum industry for over 40 years, mostly working as the operator. He has a full appreciation and understanding of the complete cycle of exploration and petroleum field development with a good knowledge of integrated projects, uncertainty, risk and oilfield economics. Jim has a track record in project management & leading multi-disciplinary teams delivering hydrocarbon discoveries and successful field developments, contributing leadership, innovation and added value. He has worked on a wide range of basins, play types and assets and is experienced in new ventures, joint ventures and asset portfolio management including licence applications & relinquishments.
Jim is a Chartered Scientist, Chartered Geologist and European Chartered Geologist. He has a B.Sc. Honours degree awarded by Aberdeen University and is the co-author of several technical papers.
Ian McIlwaine
Ian is Drilling & Operations Director as well as Speedwell’s HSE Manager. He has over 35 years of petroleum industry experience, the vast majority of which has been gained working with major oil companies. Over 30 years of this experience has been spent performing cradle to grave well engineering & operations projects in a variety of roles both in the UK North Sea as well as in numerous first and third world international locations. His experience covers both land (including heli-rig operations) and offshore (platform, jackup, semisubmersible, drill ship and tender assist) operations.
Ian has a proven track record in project management & leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver successful exploration, appraisal and development drilling campaigns. He is 100% focused and committed to achieving world class operations and HSE performance / results.
Ian has a B.Sc. Honours degree in Petroleum Engineering awarded from Imperial College.
Ray Lawrenson
Ray is Developments & Operations Director of Speedwell Energy. An energy industry professional with over 40 years’ experience in the oil & gas industry. His experience covers all aspects of oil and gas field developments, from concept through to commissioning and production operations having held various senior management roles in oil & gas companies and contractor organisations. Ray has a track record of leadership & successful delivery in technically complex, safety critical environments simultaneous with successful operational performance all underpinned by his proactive approach to HSE management.
Ray has a BSc in Energy Technology awarded by the Aston University.
