Vepica Grupo Internacional said Sept. 23 it has named former Wood Group executive, Derek Blackwood, as its new CEO.

Blackwood takes over for Miguel Bocco Jr., who will continue to serve as chairman of Vepica's board of directors.

Privately-held Vepica is incorporated in Spain, and has operations in Canada, China, Colombia, Mexico, the U.S. and Venezuela. The firm focuses on engineering, procurement and construction specializing in the energy industry.

Blackwood has more than 40 years of experience in the energy industry, most recently leading Wood Group's engineering and production facilities in North and South America. He began his career as a student apprentice with BP Tanker Co. and has held a variety of roles within the oil and gas industry, including positions with John Brown Engineering, Marathon Oil UK, and APG/Salamis JV prior to joining Wood Group Engineering as managing director in Aberdeen in 1996.

A registered incorporated engineer with the Engineering Council (U.K.), and a fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, he was appointed O.B.E. in the 2007 New Year Honour's list. He's also a member of the Energy Institute, a director of Shawcor Ltd., a non-executive director of WFS Technologies and president and director of the BABC in Houston.