Oil & Gas UK, the representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry, today (November 30) announced a number of appointments of member company representatives to its Board.
The appointment of Elisabeth Proust, managing director of Total, to the Board as a representative of the operator community was effective November 11. Bringing more than thirty years’ experience in global oil and gas operations, she replaces Philippe Guys who has retired from Total.
Neil Sims, vice president for the Europe CIS Region at Expro, was appointed as a representative of the contractor community, also effective November 11. Replacing Doug Sedge of Sparrows Offshore Group Limited, he brings decades of experience in the service sector as well as involvement in a number of industry government groups such as the Joint Industry Council.
The appointment of Tove Stuhr Sjøblom, Statoil’s managing director in Aberdeen, as a representative of the operator community was effective October 1. She brings upstream experience gained in Canada and Norway and replaces Gunnar Breivik of Statoil.
Ms Proust commented: “I am delighted to have joined the Board of Oil & Gas UK. Our industry is facing some tough challenges at the moment, so it is essential that we all work together to bring investment and growth back to the UKCS. That’s what is most important to me as I join the Oil & Gas UK Board, and I will do all I can to help promote good communication and cooperation between industry, the government and regulators.”
Mr Sims said: “Over the past fifty years the UK Continental Shelf has been regarded as one of the flagship oil and gas producing regions globally. From safety to technology, the UK has often led the way. To be invited to help continue this story at a time when the challenges are many is an absolute privilege. I look forward to working with the Oil & Gas UK Board and the wider industry to secure the next fifty years of success."
Ms Sjøblom commented: “It is a privilege to join the Oil & Gas UK Board. It is a demanding time for the industry and Oil & Gas UK has an important role in creating a platform for dialogue and acting as a catalyst for actions that can support the robustness and further development of the industry, and I look forward to being a part of the Board.”
Deirdre Michie, Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive, said: “Our industry is severely challenged by the low price of oil and high operating costs but we are now seeing the first signs that the concerted effort to restore competitiveness is working.”
Welcoming the new appointments, Deirdre Michie said: “We at Oil & Gas UK are very fortunate to have the guidance of a talented Board. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those leaving the Board for their commitment and service to the industry. I look forward to drawing on the experience and guidance of the new directors to further strengthen the prospects for businesses in this sector because only co-operative working will enable this industry to become more efficient, safer and sustainable in the new business environment.”