Prominent Businessmen join University of Aberdeen Court

Leading North-east businessmen Andrew Salvesen, Chairman and Managing Director of Findrack (UK) Ltd, and Donald Waters, former Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of Grampian Television, have been co-opted as lay members to the Court of the University of Aberdeen.

Andrew Salvesen is the great grandson of Christian Salvesen who moved in 1846 from Norway to Leith, where he founded the Scottish Shipping and Trading Business. Andrew Salvesen joined the company in 1969, becoming a director in 1989, with management assignments taking him to Canada, Peru and West Africa related to the company’s fishing interests. From 1973 to 1989, he was responsible for the company’s oilfield interests based in Aberdeen. Findrack (UK) Ltd are consultants to the oil and gas industry.

Donald Waters joined Grampian Television in 1975 as Company Secretary. He became Chief Executive in 1987, and Deputy Chairman in 1993, retiring last December. He was closely involved in the negotiations which led to the merger of Grampian Television with the Scottish Media Group.

University Principal Professor C Duncan Rice said: “I am delighted that Andrew Salvesen and Donald Waters have joined the Court. Their extensive and varied business experience will be a huge asset to the deliberations of the Court.”

Dr Allan Macartney, MEP, Rector of the University and Chairman of the Court, also welcomed Mr Salvesen and Mr Waters to the Court: “Their advice and guidance will undoubtedly be invaluable as we continue to steer the University forward. I look forward to their input,” he said.

Chancellor of the University, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, said: “In joining the Court, both Mr Salvesen and Mr Waters will add an extra dimension to the University’s strategic planning by bringing their unique insights to bear on our discussions. I welcome them most warmly.”

Both Mr Salvesen and Mr Waters were formally co-opted by the University Court on 20 May 1998 for a three year period.