Alex Munro is the HSEQ Director at ModuSpec. Following a successful career serving in the Royal Marine Commandos, Alex moved into the energy sector and has 24 years’ experience working across offshore wind, environmental management, and upstream oil and gas.
“The future of energy depends on how well we lead today – whether in traditional oil and gas projects or renewables and alternative energies – and I’m proud to be among the many people in the sector helping to shape that future with care, commitment and integrity.”
My journey into the oil and gas sector wasn’t a direct one, but it was always guided by a clear sense of purpose: to serve, protect, and lead. Before I ever stepped onto a rig or reviewed a compliance framework, I served in the Royal Marines Commandos. That experience shaped how I think under pressure, how I lead teams, and how I approach risks – not just as a hazard, but as something to decipher and manage.
Fresh out of military service, I craved something that matched its physicality, intensity, and camaraderie – the rig floor delivered exactly that. Working as a roughneck on land and offshore gave me a first-hand understanding of frontline operations, from getting my hands dirty and working long shifts in demanding conditions to learning the importance of doing the job right the first time, every time.
From there, I moved into the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, another environment where decisions had immediate consequences. Alongside a part-time role delivering OPITO training, this era led me to develop a deep respect for systems, training, and culture – all central to effective HSEQ practices. My final role in creating the Community Safety Partnership sharpened my focus on improving process safety.
Transitioning into the energy sector felt like a natural evolution. Over the past 24 years, I’ve worked across offshore wind, environmental management, and upstream oil and gas – each requiring a different approach but grounded in the same core values. I’ve contributed across the full range of HSEQ disciplines: from embedding integrated management systems that meet global standards, to conducting rig intake assessments in high-risk environments, and leading major transformations that raised performance benchmarks in international oilfield operations.
Along the way, I’ve continued to invest in my professional development because I genuinely believe you never stop learning. I came to formal qualifications later in life, but I’ve always been committed to growth. Earning a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and gaining Chartered membership in IOSH and CQI were key milestones that reinforced the practical experience I’ve built over the years.
As HSEQ Director at ModuSpec, I’ve been fortunate to lead projects that span across different continents and cultures, each with its own operational and regulatory context. My focus has been on developing practical tools that enhance safety and compliance while supporting teams on the ground. Whether it’s creating bespoke audit protocols, mentoring up-and-coming professionals, or helping clients navigate complex legislation, my aim is always the same – to improve outcomes for people and the environments they work in.
HSEQ, to me, is much more than policy and procedure. It’s a mindset. It’s about how we behave under pressure, how we communicate, and how we make decisions. It’s about building a culture where people look out for one another and where standards are not just maintained but continuously improved.
Being part of the energy industry means being part of something larger than any one company or project. It’s a sector that powers our economies and touches every part of modern life. That’s why the responsibility to uphold the highest safety, environmental, and quality standards is so vital – and why I remain committed to leading with purpose.
As someone who can help make a difference in HSEQ, I see my role not just as a guardian of systems, but as a guide and mentor for others. I believe HSEQ is not just from a book, it’s about life skills. The future of energy depends on how well we lead today – whether in traditional oil & gas projects or renewables and alternative energies – and I’m proud to be among the many people in the sector helping to shape that future with care, commitment, and integrity.
For more information on ModuSpec visit: ModuSpec | A global provider of specialist rig and well control equipment solutions
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