A Legacy of Leadership, Stability and Team Culture
After years of leading Merlin® through industry change and some of the most challenging market conditions the sector has ever experienced, Ron Ramage will step down from his role on 22nd May as he begins his retirement.
Neil Armstrong will take over leadership responsibilities as CEO, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the business while continuing the culture and direction built throughout Ron’s time leading the company.
For many across Merlin, Ron’s legacy will be remembered through the positive atmosphere he helped create within the business, his strong commitment to our core services along with the new services developed during his leadership.
Over the past 7 years, Merlin maintained almost the entire core team while navigating extraordinary periods of uncertainty. The company adapted through COVID-19, remote working, oil price volatility, global operational disruption, and rapid market recovery, achieved while continuing to support clients around the world through engineering, training, software, and operational support services.
There has always been a sense of perspective, even during difficult market periods. Ron has a way of balancing operational focus with humour and optimism. That balance matters to people.
The business remained technically respected and commercially ambitious but never lost the feeling of being a close-knit team. Throughout the years, Ron consistently recognised the efforts of individuals across the company, from engineers and operations teams to developers, trainers, finance staff, and business support personnel.
Wins were shared.
People were acknowledged.
Good work rarely went unnoticed.
International Growth and Lasting Impact
As Merlin expanded internationally and continued strengthening relationships with clients including Chevron, Petronas, Beach Energy, Halliburton and Baker Hughes, Ron reinforced the importance of continuing to “think forward, move forward and look forward,” this mindset helped shape the company during both difficult and successful periods alike.
Under his leadership, Merlin continued investing in people, systems, training capability, software development, and engineering expertise even during uncertain times. That long-term approach positioned the company strongly for the future and created foundations that continue to support its next phase of growth.
Now, as Neil Armstrong prepares to take over as CEO, Merlin enters its next chapter with strong technical capability, respected client relationships, growing international presence, and a culture that people genuinely value being part of.
While the business will continue evolving, there is no doubt Ron’s influence will remain firmly embedded within the company for years to come.
And last but not least, no reflection on Ron’s time at Merlin would be complete without mentioning Stella the dog, throughout much of the last seven years. Initially shy and timid, Stella gradually became part of the Merlin team in her own quiet way, often making gentle visits around the office in the hope of finding a piece of cheese or another snack from staff. Exceptionally well behaved and rarely far from Ron’s side.
Everyone at Merlin would like to thank Ron for his leadership, humour, encouragement, and unwavering support over the years, and wish him and wife Donna, a healthy, and well-earned retirement together.
