Viking SeaTech Appoints New GOM Managing Director

Global offshore support specialist Viking SeaTech will officially announce the arrival of Gulf of Mexico Managing Director Tom Bower this week at Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston. 

Group chief executive Bill Bayliss said: "Tom is a spirited and inspiring leader to steer future American operations.  Formerly of Topaz Energy and Marine, Tom brings almost 30 years of experience to our leadership team. We are recruiting a talented group of highly skilled individuals to support Tom and drive Viking SeaTech's achievable ambitions.  Tom's rich industry knowledge and clout will attract new business and I look forward to the exciting future ahead. I am confident we can maintain the company's success and continue to exceed our customers' expectations stateside.

"Tom will define our strategy to move into the U.S. to strengthen Viking SeaTech's international reputation as a premier supplier of services and solutions. The U.S. market will also be a crucial stepping stone into neighbouring territories as part of group-wide development."

With offices in all of the world's main oil and gas hubs including Aberdeen, Stavanger, Perth, Singapore and Jakarta, Viking SeaTech has a knack of locating emerging business locations and developing their services within the specific marketplace.

Bayliss continued: "We can sense when a potential opportunity for business growth should be translated into reality. Indonesia is fast becoming one of the industry's brightest prospects and we moved swiftly to cultivate our name there. The Jakarta office is an example of our proactive nature and indicates our flexibility in an ever-evolving global energy sphere."

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Chesapeake Says Goodbye to Director, Names Replacement

Chesapeake Energy Corporation announced Friday that its board of directors has accepted the resignation of director Louis A. Simpson. Thomas L. Ryan, president and chief executive officer of Service Corporation International (SCI), has been elected to fill the vacancy and has been appointed to the audit committee. He will stand for election at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders on June 14. Ryan replaces R. Brad Martin on the audit committee, with Martin becoming chair of the nominating, corporate governance and social responsibility committee.

Chairman Archie Dunham said, "The Board has greatly appreciated and benefited from Lou’s service to Chesapeake over the past two years. He was elected to our Board in June 2011 and has chaired the nominating, corporate governance and social responsibility committee since the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders. Lou has made significant contributions to strengthening Chesapeake’s corporate governance. We wish him the very best as he leaves the board to pursue his business interests."

Regarding the election of Ryan, Dunham stated, "Tom was recommended by our largest shareholder, Southeastern Asset Management, to replace Lou on Chesapeake’s board. With his extensive management experience and financial expertise in running a leading North American public company, Tom will be a great addition to our audit committee and a terrific resource for our board and management team. We are pleased to welcome Tom and are confident that his insight and experience will benefit the company and all of our shareholders."

Ryan commented, "It is a privilege to be selected to join the board of one of our country’s leading energy producers – a company that has played a pivotal role in changing the U.S. energy supply paradigm through its pioneering of unconventional natural gas and oil exploration and development. I look forward to learning more about Chesapeake’s world-class assets which clearly have tremendous potential for future value creation."

Ryan has been chief executive officer of Service Corporation International (SCI) since 2005 and has served as president of SCI since 2002. SCI is North America's leading provider of deathcare products and services, with more than 21,000 employees. From 2002 to 2005, Ryan was also chief operating officer of SCI, and from 2000 to 2002 he was chief executive officer of SCI’s European operations. He served in a variety of financial management roles from the time he joined SCI in 1996 until 2000. Before joining SCI, Ryan was a certified public accountant with Coopers & Lybrand LLP for eight years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Ryan is a member of the Board of Trust Managers of Weingarten Realty Investors and serves as a director of Texas Industries, Inc. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Greater Houston and on the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston Partnership, Greater Houston Community Foundation Governing Board and the University of Texas McCombs Business School Advisory Council.

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Chesapeake Says Goodbye to Director, Names Replacement

Chesapeake Energy Corporation announced Friday that its board of directors has accepted the resignation of director Louis A. Simpson. Thomas L. Ryan, president and chief executive officer of Service Corporation International (SCI), has been elected to fill the vacancy and has been appointed to the audit committee. He will stand for election at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders on June 14. Ryan replaces R. Brad Martin on the audit committee, with Martin becoming chair of the nominating, corporate governance and social responsibility committee.

Chairman Archie Dunham said, "The Board has greatly appreciated and benefited from Lou’s service to Chesapeake over the past two years. He was elected to our Board in June 2011 and has chaired the nominating, corporate governance and social responsibility committee since the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders. Lou has made significant contributions to strengthening Chesapeake’s corporate governance. We wish him the very best as he leaves the board to pursue his business interests."

Regarding the election of Ryan, Dunham stated, "Tom was recommended by our largest shareholder, Southeastern Asset Management, to replace Lou on Chesapeake’s board. With his extensive management experience and financial expertise in running a leading North American public company, Tom will be a great addition to our audit committee and a terrific resource for our board and management team. We are pleased to welcome Tom and are confident that his insight and experience will benefit the company and all of our shareholders."

Ryan commented, "It is a privilege to be selected to join the board of one of our country’s leading energy producers – a company that has played a pivotal role in changing the U.S. energy supply paradigm through its pioneering of unconventional natural gas and oil exploration and development. I look forward to learning more about Chesapeake’s world-class assets which clearly have tremendous potential for future value creation."

Ryan has been chief executive officer of Service Corporation International (SCI) since 2005 and has served as president of SCI since 2002. SCI is North America's leading provider of deathcare products and services, with more than 21,000 employees. From 2002 to 2005, Ryan was also chief operating officer of SCI, and from 2000 to 2002 he was chief executive officer of SCI’s European operations. He served in a variety of financial management roles from the time he joined SCI in 1996 until 2000. Before joining SCI, Ryan was a certified public accountant with Coopers & Lybrand LLP for eight years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Ryan is a member of the Board of Trust Managers of Weingarten Realty Investors and serves as a director of Texas Industries, Inc. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Greater Houston and on the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston Partnership, Greater Houston Community Foundation Governing Board and the University of Texas McCombs Business School Advisory Council.

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Atwood Oceanics Adds New Director to Board

Atwood Oceanics, Inc. announced the appointment of Jeffrey A. Miller to its Board of Directors. Mr. Miller currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Halliburton. Previously, Mr. Miller held a number of positions at Halliburton, including most recently as Senior Vice President of Global Business Development and Marketing, responsible for strategic account management, sales and marketing. He also served as Senior Vice President of Halliburton's Gulf of Mexico Region; Vice President of Halliburton's Baroid business line; Country Vice President for Indonesia; and Country Vice President for Angola. Prior to his service at Halliburton, Mr. Miller began his career with Arthur Andersen LLP. Mr. Miller holds a MBA from Texas A&M University, a BS – Agriculture and Business from McNeese State University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

"Jeff brings valuable operational and business development experience to our company," commented George S. Dotson, chairman of the Board of Directors of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. "Jeff's extensive career with Halliburton includes various international assignments and a successful track record in building businesses, providing our Board with useful perspective and insight."

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Petroleum Safety Authority Appoints New Director General

Norway's Petroleum Safety Authority announced Monday that Anne Næss Myhrvold has been appointed to serve as its director general for a term of six years.

Myhrvold is currently at BP Norge, which she joined in 2002. She has served as its head of health, safety and the environment since 2009. Earlier in her career, Myhrvold worked in safety at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.

The PSA said that Myhrvold will take over the role of director general on May 1, 2013.

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Petroleum Safety Authority Appoints New Director General

Norway's Petroleum Safety Authority announced Monday that Anne Næss Myhrvold has been appointed to serve as its director general for a term of six years.

Myhrvold is currently at BP Norge, which she joined in 2002. She has served as its head of health, safety and the environment since 2009. Earlier in her career, Myhrvold worked in safety at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.

The PSA said that Myhrvold will take over the role of director general on May 1, 2013.

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Petroleum Safety Authority Appoints New Director General

Norway's Petroleum Safety Authority announced Monday that Anne Næss Myhrvold has been appointed to serve as its director general for a term of six years.

Myhrvold is currently at BP Norge, which she joined in 2002. She has served as its head of health, safety and the environment since 2009. Earlier in her career, Myhrvold worked in safety at the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.

The PSA said that Myhrvold will take over the role of director general on May 1, 2013.

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BG Group Appoints New Director

UK gas major BG Group has appointed a new non-executive director to help the firm with its activities in China, it announced Monday.

Lim Haw-Kuang will fill the vacancy left by Philippe Varin, who stood down from BG's board in February after seven years as a non-executive director.

BG Chairman Andrew Gould commented in a statement:

"I am delighted to welcome Haw-Kuang to the BG Group board. He has extensive experience across the international oil and gas industry, including long service as a senior executive in China, the world's fastest growing energy market.

"This gives him a background highly relevant to BG Group as the company becomes China's largest supplier of liquefied natural gas through long-term agreements with CNOOC."

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BG Group Appoints New Director

UK gas major BG Group has appointed a new non-executive director to help the firm with its activities in China, it announced Monday.

Lim Haw-Kuang will fill the vacancy left by Philippe Varin, who stood down from BG's board in February after seven years as a non-executive director.

BG Chairman Andrew Gould commented in a statement:

"I am delighted to welcome Haw-Kuang to the BG Group board. He has extensive experience across the international oil and gas industry, including long service as a senior executive in China, the world's fastest growing energy market.

"This gives him a background highly relevant to BG Group as the company becomes China's largest supplier of liquefied natural gas through long-term agreements with CNOOC."

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Rialto Interim CEO Appointed Managing Director

Rialto Energy Ltd. announced Mr. Robert Shepherd, who has been Interim CEO since Nov. 26, 2012, has been appointed to the full-time position of managing director, based in London.

Further to the appointment of Mr. Shepherd, Rialto announces that Mr. Bruce Burrows has advised the Company of his intention to retire from Board during the course of March 2013 due to increasing time commitments elsewhere.

Commenting on today's announcements Chairman Mr. Bruce Burrows said:

"The Board is very pleased to welcome Mr. Shepherd to the Company in a full-time capacity. His appointment comes after an extensive international executive search in which we canvassed many excellent candidates. Mr. Shepherd's commitment and enthusiasm in his interim role has led to his appointment and the Board believes he and the rest of the Rialto team are well equipped to continue advancing the Company.

"I would also take this opportunity to advise that I will be retiring from the Board of the Company during March 2013 when it is intended that Mr. Andrew Bartlett will assume the role of Chairman. This decision comes at a time when the Company has gone through a process of rejuvenation and strengthening in terms of Board and Management. I have enjoyed my time with Rialto immensely and will leave the Board knowing the Company is well placed to move forward with its future endeavors."

Newly appointed Managing Director Rob Shepherd commented:

"I am very pleased that the Board has decided to appoint me to the post of Managing Director. Whilst the Company has been through a difficult 2012, Rialto has a great team and excellent assets and I will do all that I can to ensure that both existing and future shareholders can focus on a potentially highly rewarding 2013 and beyond."

Mr. Shepherd's base salary will be $402,509 (GBP 265,000) per annum along with incentive bonuses to be determined by the Board including, subject to shareholder approval, participation in Rialto's Employee Performance Rights Plan.

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BG Group Director Retires

BG Group announced Monday that one of its non-executive directors, Philippe Varin, has retired from the firm's board.

BG Group Chairman Andrew Gold commented in a company statement:

"I would like to express on behalf of BG Group's board our thanks and appreciation for Philippe's advice and support over the years. We have benefited greatly from his contributions."

Varin was appointed as a non-executive director in 2006. He was a member of the firm's audit and remuneration committees.

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BG Group Director Retires

BG Group announced Monday that one of its non-executive directors, Philippe Varin, has retired from the firm's board.

BG Group Chairman Andrew Gold commented in a company statement:

"I would like to express on behalf of BG Group's board our thanks and appreciation for Philippe's advice and support over the years. We have benefited greatly from his contributions."

Varin was appointed as a non-executive director in 2006. He was a member of the firm's audit and remuneration committees.

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BG Group Director Retires

BG Group announced Monday that one of its non-executive directors, Philippe Varin, has retired from the firm's board.

BG Group Chairman Andrew Gold commented in a company statement:

"I would like to express on behalf of BG Group's board our thanks and appreciation for Philippe's advice and support over the years. We have benefited greatly from his contributions."

Varin was appointed as a non-executive director in 2006. He was a member of the firm's audit and remuneration committees.

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BP Executive Director Steps Down

BP announced Thursday that Executive Director Byron Grote will retire from the company and step down from its board of directors on April 11.

BP Chief Executive Bob Dudley commented in a statement:

"Byron has played key roles at critical moments of the company's history, most notably in the integrations of Amoco and Arco, and more recently in guiding BP through the financial challenges following the incidents of April 2010. The company owes him a great debt of gratitude."

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BP Executive Director Steps Down

BP announced Thursday that Executive Director Byron Grote will retire from the company and step down from its board of directors on April 11.

BP Chief Executive Bob Dudley commented in a statement:

"Byron has played key roles at critical moments of the company's history, most notably in the integrations of Amoco and Arco, and more recently in guiding BP through the financial challenges following the incidents of April 2010. The company owes him a great debt of gratitude."

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Petroceltic Appoints Director for Algerian Wet Gas Project

North Africa and Middle East-focused Petroceltic International announced Tuesday that it has appointed a new project director for its Ain Tsila wet gas development in Algeria.

Petroceltic said its new director, Geoff Stevenson, has more than 25 years experience of project management on major oil and gas developments in Europe, North Africa, North America, the Middle East and the Far East. He previously worked for Hess Corporation, where he was recently the deliver manager for topsides on the $3 billion Valhall Redevelopment Project in Norway.

The firm said that its Ain Tsila project, which entered its 30-year development period in December, will involve the production of gross reserves of 2.1 trillion cubic feet of gas, 67 million barrels of condensate and 108 million barrels of liquefied petroleum gas. Development planning will begin in 2013 and first gas is scheduled for late 2017.

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Petroceltic Appoints Director for Algerian Wet Gas Project

North Africa and Middle East-focused Petroceltic International announced Tuesday that it has appointed a new project director for its Ain Tsila wet gas development in Algeria.

Petroceltic said its new director, Geoff Stevenson, has more than 25 years experience of project management on major oil and gas developments in Europe, North Africa, North America, the Middle East and the Far East. He previously worked for Hess Corporation, where he was recently the deliver manager for topsides on the $3 billion Valhall Redevelopment Project in Norway.

The firm said that its Ain Tsila project, which entered its 30-year development period in December, will involve the production of gross reserves of 2.1 trillion cubic feet of gas, 67 million barrels of condensate and 108 million barrels of liquefied petroleum gas. Development planning will begin in 2013 and first gas is scheduled for late 2017.

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Rockhopper's Exploration Director Retires

Falkland Islands explorer Rockhopper Exploration announced Wednesday that Dave Bodecott, the firm's exploration director, will retire from the company on Jan.31.

Rockhopper added that subsurfasce work on the firm's existing acreage, and in relation to new ventures, will now be managed by Fiona MacAulay, Rockhopper's geology and geophysics manager.

Rockhopper Chairman Pierre Jungels commented in a statement:

"Dave has made a huge contribution as a member of the management team since the company's inception, firstly as a consultant and, since January 2007, as a highly valued board director. We would like to extend our thanks to him for his hard work culminating in the discovery of Sea Lion and the successful exploration and appraisal programme which followed that. All of us at Rockhopper wish him well for the future."

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Anton Oilfield Appoints Non-Executive Director, Chairman of QHSE

Anton Oilfield Services Group, the leading independent oilfield services provider in China, announced the appointment of Jean Francois Poupeau as a non-executive director of the Group, effective Jan. 21, 2013.

With over 27 years of in-depth experience in oilfield services, Poupeau currently holds the position of Executive Vice President at Schlumberger, where he has taken various management positions. Schlumberger is a minority shareholder of the Group and holds approximately 19.8 percent of the issued share capital of the Group as of the date of this release.

The Group is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance aimed at enhancing shareholders' value. The board has appointed Poupeau as chairman of the newly established QHSE Committee of the board tasked with providing guidance and advice on the quality, health, safety and environment strategies of the Group to ensure that the quality of the Group's services meets the international standards. As a non-executive director, Poupeau will not be involved in the daily operations of the Group. The board believes that Poupeau's rich industry and management experience will help bring the world's leading standards in corporate governance and QHSE to the Group.

Commenting on his appointment, Poupeau said: "I am glad to join the board of directors of Anton Oilfield as a non-executive director of this oilfield services provider with vast growth potential in China. I look forward to working with the board and assist Anton Oilfield's management in business operations in support of Anton Oilfield's existing independent development strategy."

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Center for Offshore Safety Names Director, Former Shell Chief Scientist

The naming of Charlie Williams as the first executive director of the new Center for Offshore Safety marks an important milestone in America's efforts to safely and responsibly develop its vast offshore energy resources.

Williams leads the center after 40 years with Shell, where most recently he was the company's chief scientist for well engineering and production technology. His work included developing high-pressure, high-temperature wells and specializing in drilling and completion equipment for extreme environments, such as deepwater exploration and development. Williams was introduced Wednesday:

"We have assembled the best and the brightest minds to help ensure we develop America's vast resources in the safest manner possible. Our top priority is to develop practices and programs that will help operators perform at their very best in implementing safety and environmental management systems."

The center's governing board includes operators, drilling contractors, service and supply contractors and trade association representatives. The center will help deepwater operators implement advanced safety and environmental oversight management systems, an audit checklist and third-party review systems so operators can measure the effectiveness of those systems against standards developed by API and its members. Williams:

"The role of the (center) is to provide a forum for industry to come together and focus on developing programs, sponsoring activities and sharing good practices aimed at continually learning from and improving industry's safety performance."

Williams said the center faces start-up challenges common to most new organizations, including building a staff and prioritizing its efforts:

"Another unique challenge is finalizing all the audit tools, training auditors, and verifying auditors. This is a very large new effort and one of the first things the center must address.  Although our top goal is a forum supporting continuous learning and improvement of Safety and Environmental Management Systems, auditing of SEMS is both a center and regulatory requirement."

Key to the center is connecting industry efforts to improve safe and responsible offshore operations with the American public. Williams:

"We are committed to communicating with the public and communities regarding the programs and goals of the center. The industry is fully committed to producing oil and gas safely and responsibly.  The creation of the center, the dedication of resources to it, and the broad participation of industry in the center clearly demonstrates this commitment.  The center also demonstrates an enhanced commitment by industry in creating a 100 percent safety focused forum for coming together, learning, and continuously improving safety and environmental management systems and enhancing safety culture."

API President and CEO Jack Gerard welcomed Williams' selection:

"Safe, responsible development of our offshore oil and natural gas is critical for U.S. energy security, and it provides U.S. families and businesses with affordable and reliable energy for our future."

Learn more about the Center, its governance and information on how to become a member at www.centerforoffshoresafety.org.

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