Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport strengthens leadership with appointment of energy industry stalwarts

Yoshihiro Hayakawa, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Global Energy Services Holding Ltd, and Ian Cobban, Interim Chief Executive of Haventus, bring decades of knowledge in energy and infrastructure to the board in their roles as non-executive directors. 

 Their appointments come after ICFGF signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK and Scottish governments and the Highland Council, creating a formal framework for co-operation and responsibilities. 

 The agreement was the final stage in a five-year process to officially form ICFGF, which will be tasked with attracting significant inward investment into the Highlands and helping to deliver thousands of long-term, well-paid jobs. ICFGF is focused on positioning the region as a European leader in the offshore renewables sector and to drive the UK’s green industrial future. 

 Mr Hayakawa has been with energy and engineering specialist Mitsui, which recently bought Port of Nigg, for more than 25 years. He has extensive international experience across Japan, China, Dubai, Mexico and Spain, including with GRI Renewable Industries and has contributed to major renewables projects worldwide, bringing expertise in supply chain optimisation, investment and customer-focused solutions. 

 “ICFGF represents a vital step forward in Scotland’s transition to a net zero future. I am honoured to support its mission and to bring an international perspective to its work,” said Mr Hayakawa. “Strategic co-ordination across industry, government and communities will be essential, and through strong partnerships, ICFGF has the potential to become a model of sustainable and inclusive growth.” 

 Mr Cobban has been appointed as a representative of Haventus – the operator of the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility. The site is currently undergoing significant investment and development to provide Scotland’s largest facility on the North Sea coast for deploying and servicing offshore wind installations. 

 He has four decades of international experience in energy and ports, including more than a decade in the wind sector. Mr Cobban worked as Chief Operating Officer for Global Energy Group and held global and regional leadership roles in the energy industry. 

 “It is a privilege to join the board of ICFGF at such an important moment,” said Mr Cobban. “The Highlands has an opportunity to become a driving force in the global offshore renewables industry, and the infrastructure and ambition are clearly here to support that. I look forward to contributing my experience as ICFGF helps unlock investment and delivers long-term value.” 

 ICFGF’s board comprises public, private and academic representatives to provide balanced oversight. The operating company currently has five members of staff focused on areas including investment, skills development and community engagement.  

 Calum MacPherson, Chief Executive of ICFGF, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ian and Yoshihiro to the board. Their expertise and insight will be invaluable as we move into this critical delivery phase for ICFGF and continue building momentum in the offshore renewables sector.