Sir Ian Wood dies as Aberdeen mourns its most successful businessman

Sir Ian Wood has died at the age of 84.

The legendary businessman responsible for the rise of Wood Group as an international powerhouse in the energy industry died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Sir Ian is being remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Sir Ian Wood born into fishing family in Aberdeen

The magnate was born into a fishing family in Aberdeen in 1942.

He would go on to turn his dad’s company into the Wood Group oil giant, leading the way as the city blossomed into Europe’s energy capital.

At the helm of the worldwide empire, Sir Ian became one of the wealthiest men in Scotland – ranking third on The Times’ 2026 Rich List as worth almost £2 billion.

But he will also be remembered as one of its most generous.

He showed his commitment to education and helping others less fortunate by launching The Wood Foundation and backing numerous other enterprises around the world.

He was a devoted husband to Lady Helen for 55 years and a loving father to Nic, Graham and Garreth.

Sir Ian was also a beloved grandfather to their seven children.

‘May the tea in heaven be extra hot’

The Wood family has expressed its gratitude to the healthcare professionals who cared for him towards the end of his life.

A statement released by the family said: “Sir Ian’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the organisations he helped build and the values he championed throughout his life.

“The family respectfully requests privacy at this time as they mourn his loss.

“May the tea in heaven always be ‘extra hot’.”

[Source: Press and Journal]