Lewis Gillies was appointed Executive Chairman designate of XLCC in December 2025, ahead of the company’s launch as Aquora in January 2026.
In this capacity, he is helping shape Aquora’s strategy to expand the United Kingdom’s high-voltage subsea cable installation capacity and develop domestic cable manufacturing capability.
Lewis is an experienced energy executive and entrepreneur with almost four decades of experience developing, financing and leading energy and infrastructure businesses. His experience spans conventional and renewable energy, offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and major energy infrastructure.
Energy & Infrastructure Career
Lewis joined Aquora following his tenure as CEO of Haventus (2023–2025), where he led the redevelopment of the Ardersier Port into the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility in the Scottish Highlands.
Previously, Lewis served as CEO of Rockall Energy (2018–2023) and CEO of Petro Harvester (2016–2018). He also co-founded 2Co Energy, focused on carbon capture, North Sea CO₂ storage and enhanced oil recovery.
Earlier in his career, Lewis spent nearly 20 years with bp, holding operational, commercial and leadership roles across Europe, Asia and the US. During this period, he also served as CEO of Hydrogen Energy International, a joint venture between bp and Rio Tinto focused on the development of large-scale carbon capture and storage projects
Skills & Experience
Lewis has extensive experience in the development and financing of major energy and infrastructure projects, including large-scale capital investment, offshore wind infrastructure and carbon capture and storage.
At Haventus, Lewis led the redevelopment of the former Ardersier oil and gas fabrication yard into a major fixed and floating offshore wind facility. Under his leadership, Haventus secured a £300 million capital commitment from Quantum Capital Group and a further £100 million credit facility from the Scottish National Investment Bank and UK Infrastructure Bank.
His CCS experience includes international projects in Abu Dhabi, California and Scotland. He also co-founded 2Co Energy, focused on carbon capture, North Sea CO₂ storage and enhanced oil recovery.
Originally from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, Lewis holds an Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.