From major Flare Gas Recovery studies to supporting the reshaping of Sullom Voe Terminal’s future, Head of Engineering, Graeme Leslie, has played a central role in Apollo’s growth.
In this edition of Powered by People, Graeme reflects on his journey from growing up in Glasgow to leading an engineering and design team, now over 100‑strong, and the unexpected turns that shaped his career.
Graeme, can you tell us a bit about your role at Apollo and what first drew you to process and safety engineering?
I’m Apollo’s Head of Engineering and a process engineer by background. I look after our engineering team of more than 100 engineers, designers, and associates. That means everything from technical governance and resource planning to business development and helping teams work through tough technical problems.
I grew up in Maryhill in Glasgow and was the first in my family to go to university. I didn’t actually know what an engineer did when I started studying chemical engineering at Strathclyde.
After graduating, I worked with Foster Wheeler, AMEC and Worley before joining Apollo. Most of my career has been in energy, mostly oil and gas, even though it wasn’t the sector I originally thought I’d end up in.
I’ve ended up loving it, and I’m a strong advocate that it’s a great industry to be proud to work in.
You’ve been involved in some of Apollo’s biggest and most complex projects - can you tell us about a few that stand out, and your role in each?
One of the most demanding pieces of work was managing multiple Flare Gas Recovery FEED studies. I started as Lead Process Engineer before moving into the Engineering Manager role once I had the right team in place. The studies required significant redesign, coordination across disciplines and finding more efficient layouts for each package. It was a lot of problem‑solving, but exactly the sort of challenge I enjoy.
Another standout was acting as study manager for EnQuest at Sullom Voe Terminal, supporting them as they planned the site’s redevelopment. My role was to shape various studies, steer decisions and keep the work on time and on budget. It was a blend of technical input and project leadership, and it helped cement my move into broader management responsibilities.
Can you share a recent challenge you’re particularly proud of solving?
I’m especially proud of building Apollo’s process and technical safety team. We’ve grown it into one of the strongest process groups in Aberdeen, made up of highly experienced and respected professionals.
I’ve also brought in ideas from previous roles, including strengthening how we approach project management. That’s now developed into a dedicated Project Management department. And I’ve been able to help transform our graduate programme, Apollo Launchpad.
Stepping into areas beyond pure engineering wasn’t something I expected to do so soon – or to enjoy as much as I do.
What do you think sets Apollo’s culture apart from other places you’ve worked?
For me, the biggest difference was how approachable senior management were from day one. That support helped me move from Principal Engineer to Process and Safety Manager, to Head of Engineering in just two years.
Apollo is also the first company where I’ve seen core values truly lived. SAFE isn’t just words on a slide. The “Enjoyment” part in particular stands out. The company genuinely prioritises wellbeing, and there have been plenty of away days, nights out and small moments that make a big difference.
Favourite local restaurant and why?
With two young kids, eating out doesn’t happen often. When we do get the chance, my wife and I go to Vovem for a steak and a bottle of red. But realistically? Most of the time it’s McDonald’s – Happy Meal for the kids and a quarter-pounder for me.
Graeme was recently recognised at the IChemE North of Scotland Annual Dinner, where he won the Best Technical Presentation Award for his work on Flare Gas Recovery.