PA Resources Welcomes New CEO

The Board of Directors of PA Resources has decided with immediate effect to appoint Board member Philippe R Probst as the company's CEO. Bo Askvik is thereby leaving his position as CEO but will be available to the company for a number of months. Philippe R Probst will be CEO during an interim period and the Board intends to start immediately on the work of recruiting a permanent CEO.

It is well known that PA Resources has been in a vulnerable financial situation for some time. The ownership structure changed during the spring and the company acquired an almost entirely new Board at the Annual General Meeting May 14.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Board, Sven A Olsson, commented: "With a new Board and a changed ownership structure, it is natural to also replace the CEO."

Philippe R Probst, who has been appointed CEO, has many years of experience of the oil industry with a past which includes Exploration and Production Manager within the Shell Group as well as a position with the Swiss oil company Addax. He presently acts as advisor to companies mainly in Africa and the Middle East.

The new Board and CEO will work to create a long-term stable foundation for the continued operations of PA Resources.

As already announced, Tomas Hedström has been appointed as CFO of the company and took up his position May 2.

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CEONA Welcomes New VP

CEONA is growing its executive team with the appointment of Mark Preece, who will join the company in the capacity of executive vice president commercial and business development. Preece will begin work with the offshore construction, engineering and project management specialist in June 2013.

Preece has extensive senior management, commercial, operations and business development experience gained both in the UK and international Oil & Gas and Offshore Renewable energy markets.

Before joining CEONA, Preece was CEO at the tier two subsea start-up company Reef Subsea, SVP Business Development & Marketing at Acergy, Managing Director with Bibby Line Ltd, and earlier was with Technip SA, Coflexip Stena and Stena Offshore where he was Managing Director Canada & Caspian, and Senior Vice President UK and International Business Development.

In his earlier career he was a ship's master, a marine superintendent and a project manager. Preece is a master mariner with an MBA from Henley Management College.

"Mark will bring a wealth of experience to Ceona, and we are confident he will contribute to further strengthening our position in the market," commented CEONA CEO Steve Preston.

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Dresser-Rand Welcomes New CFO

Dresser-Rand Group Inc. announced Wednesday that Jan Kees van Gaalen will become executive vice president and chief financial officer of Dresser-Rand, effective May 1. Mr. van Gaalen succeeds Mark Baldwin, whose impending retirement was previously announced.

Mr. van Gaalen joins Dresser-Rand from Baker Hughes Inc., a public company and leading provider of drilling, formation evaluation, completion and production products and services to the oil and gas industry, where he served as Vice President and Treasurer. Before joining Baker Hughes, he was the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Finance for PT Inco Tbk based in Jakarta, Indonesia, the publicly traded Indonesian subsidiary of Vale Inco Ltd. Prior to this he held a variety of finance positions with Anglo American plc, Carlton Communications plc and Schlumberger Ltd. in France, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Brazil and South Africa.

Mr. van Gaalen is fluent in English, German, Dutch, Portuguese, French, and Spanish. He received his bachelor's degree in economics from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands and his MBA from the HEC Management School in France.

Vincent R. Volpe, Jr., Dresser-Rand's President and CEO, said, "We are delighted to welcome Jan Kees as a member of our leadership team. Jan Kees' knowledge of our industry, along with his strong financial and operational pedigree and vast international experience provides him a solid platform for the role of Chief Financial Officer of Dresser-Rand. We look forward to Jan Kees' contributions as a member of the Executive Staff, and to our continued progress in developing a world-class financial team."

"I want to again recognize Mark Baldwin for his service to Dresser-Rand and thank him for the fine job he has done over the past five and one-half years building a strong finance team. During Mark's tenure, we substantially strengthened our internal governance processes, created a culture of discipline, completed successful acquisitions, and developed our public company relationship with an independent Board of Directors and the community of investment analysts. I am also pleased that Mark will be available to assist the Company during the transition period with Jan Kees, said Volpe."

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Bankers Petroleum Welcomes CEO

Bankers Petroleum Ltd. announced the appointment of Mr. David Lawrence French as President and CEO effective April 2013, subject to regulatory approvals. Abdel ("Abby") Badwi who is retiring from his current executive role will continue to serve as a Director and Vice Chairman of the Board.

David French, aged 43, is an international energy executive with 22 years of experience in the development and production of oil and gas fields in North America and overseas. He graduated from Rice University in Mechanical Engineering and has a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Before this appointment he was Vice President of Business Development, coordinating acquisitions and divestments with Apache Corporation in Houston. With Apache, he has also served as Region Production Manager for Apache Canada in Calgary where he was involved in all areas of gas and oil operations including secondary and enhanced oil recovery, in Alberta and Saskatchewan; he has also served as Director of global HS&E in Houston. Mr. French worked for several years with McKinsey & Company in Houston, a management consulting firm where his work focused on energy firm growth, portfolio management, and capital efficiency. He started his career with Amoco where he gained extensive experience in oilfield operations with secondary and enhanced oil recovery projects in Texas and New Mexico.

"Mr. French's expertise in enhanced oil recovery, merger and acquisitions, capital management, and health, safety and environment stewardship will prove very valuable for Bankers' future development and growth strategy," commented Robert Cross, Bankers' chairman of the Board, he added, "Abby will continue to provide assistance where needed, particularly in Albania and in the capital markets where his relationships are a key asset for the Company. Abby and his team have taken Bankers from 5,000 barrels of oil per day to 17,000 bopd in just over five years despite two financial crises and the challenges associated with brownfield development. He is leaving his executive role at a time when Bankers is very well positioned on all fronts, with an excellent technical team, quality management at all levels, a strong balance sheet, and a diversified group of buyers for our crude oil. Probably most importantly, Bankers is currently producing free cash flow, net of capital spending. The Board and Management of Bankers would like to extend their best wishes for Abby and his wife, Sandy, in their retirement and to David and his family on his new appointment and future with Bankers."

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DNV Welcomes New UK Head

DNV, the multinational provider of risk management and sustainability services, has appointed Frank Ketelaars as its Head of UK Advisory Services to oversee a further growth in the oil and gas sector, drawing on a diverse and experienced pool of consultants.

Mr. Ketelaars will have overall responsibility for DNV's advisory units in London, Manchester and Aberdeen, and will also be responsible for enhanced collaboration with European colleagues based in Paris, Milan, Rotterdam, and Bilthoven.

Mr. Ketelaars started his professional career in Shell International in 1989. Subsequently he worked for 10 years for Jardine and Associates, specializing in asset performance and availability analysis, covering upstream, midstream and downstream assets. He joined DNV as part of the company's acquisition of Jardine in 2005, and has worked as head of the DNV advisory unit in London since 2008, responsible for advisory activities covering safety, environmental and asset risk.

DNV have a long track record of delivering advisory services to most of the International, National and Independent Oil Companies for over 30 years and have built a strong reputation for their competency and consistency in the market.

Mr. Ketelaars said: "My role as UK head will, both complement an initiative to have greater impact through tighter networking, and allow for simpler and faster decision making. I am delighted to be taking on this challenge."

With Mr. Ketelaars stepping up to this new role, Carlo Buccisano is being promoted to Head of London Advisory. Richard Whitehead, Head of Manchester Advisory, will be Mr. Ketelaar's deputy and continues to be responsible for DNV's Gas/LNG growth across Europe. Robert O'Keeffe will continue in his role as Head of Aberdeen Advisory and Peter Boyle, Advisory Services Business Development Director, will also report to Mr. Ketelaars, with specific responsibility for business development, sales and customer service management.

Hari Vamadevan, DNV's UK regional manager, said: "The three advisory units have a number of areas that will benefit from a common approach, in particular resource management and competence development. Whilst having much in common, they also have a number of strong niche positions - Manchester in onshore activities, Aberdeen in offshore activities and London on new build projects with EPC contractors. By working more closely I am sure all three offices will be more successful."

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DNV Welcomes New UK Head

DNV, the multinational provider of risk management and sustainability services, has appointed Frank Ketelaars as its Head of UK Advisory Services to oversee a further growth in the oil and gas sector, drawing on a diverse and experienced pool of consultants.

Mr. Ketelaars will have overall responsibility for DNV's advisory units in London, Manchester and Aberdeen, and will also be responsible for enhanced collaboration with European colleagues based in Paris, Milan, Rotterdam, and Bilthoven.

Mr. Ketelaars started his professional career in Shell International in 1989. Subsequently he worked for 10 years for Jardine and Associates, specializing in asset performance and availability analysis, covering upstream, midstream and downstream assets. He joined DNV as part of the company's acquisition of Jardine in 2005, and has worked as head of the DNV advisory unit in London since 2008, responsible for advisory activities covering safety, environmental and asset risk.

DNV have a long track record of delivering advisory services to most of the International, National and Independent Oil Companies for over 30 years and have built a strong reputation for their competency and consistency in the market.

Mr. Ketelaars said: "My role as UK head will, both complement an initiative to have greater impact through tighter networking, and allow for simpler and faster decision making. I am delighted to be taking on this challenge."

With Mr. Ketelaars stepping up to this new role, Carlo Buccisano is being promoted to Head of London Advisory. Richard Whitehead, Head of Manchester Advisory, will be Mr. Ketelaar's deputy and continues to be responsible for DNV's Gas/LNG growth across Europe. Robert O'Keeffe will continue in his role as Head of Aberdeen Advisory and Peter Boyle, Advisory Services Business Development Director, will also report to Mr. Ketelaars, with specific responsibility for business development, sales and customer service management.

Hari Vamadevan, DNV's UK regional manager, said: "The three advisory units have a number of areas that will benefit from a common approach, in particular resource management and competence development. Whilst having much in common, they also have a number of strong niche positions - Manchester in onshore activities, Aberdeen in offshore activities and London on new build projects with EPC contractors. By working more closely I am sure all three offices will be more successful."

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Brenham Oil, Gas Welcomes New COO

Brenham Oil & Gas Corp., a subsidiary of American International Industries, Inc., announced that Bryant Mook has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Brenham. Mr. Mook, a petroleum engineer and geologist, obtained his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Southern Methodist University and a Masters degree in Petroleum Engineering from Colorado School of Mines. Mr. Mook has vast experience in the oil and gas industry, having worked internationally in oil rich countries such as Russia and Colombia, as well as domestically in Alaska, Texas and other oil and gas producing areas in the United States.

The Company stated that "we believe Mr. Mook is an essential addition to Brenham's executive team, as President and COO as well as a board member, where he joins Scott Gaille, an expert in African oil and gas exploration and concessions and previously an affiliate of Occidental Petroleum Company (OXY), adding to Vice President Exploration, Rog Hardy's international experience in the oil and gas field with Unocal and Chevron."

Brenham previously announced its 15% participation ownership in Block Y Equatorial Guinea Africa, a 400,000 acre oil and gas concession.

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CEA Welcomes Next Interior Secretary Nomination

The Obama administration announced Wednesday that Sally Jewell, the CEO of outdoor gear company REI, is the administration's choice to become the nation's 51st Secretary of the Interior. Jewell is a relative newcomer to political circles. Consumer Energy Alliance welcomes the opportunity to learn more about Ms. Jewell's priorities during the confirmation process.

Upon release of the announcement, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt issued the following statement:

"As others have noted, the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior is extremely broad and requires leadership that recognizes the multiple goals and the responsible use of our nation's federal lands and resources. CEA and our more than 200 affiliate members representing virtually every aspect of the U.S. economy look forward to learning about Ms. Jewell's thoughts on this matter and her priorities for the Department of the Interior during the forthcoming confirmation process."

"One of the most defining issues for the next Secretary of the Interior will be providing consistent and reasonable access to abundant energy resources located within the boundaries of our federal lands. The next Secretary of the Interior will preside over decisions that could dramatically change the trajectory of our energy future, namely the future of Outer Continental Shelf energy development and hydraulic fracturing on public lands. Developing these resources while protecting our environment is of the utmost importance, and one that could allow the U.S. to become energy self-sufficient in just a few years."

"Given these multiple goals, it's comforting to know that as the executive of a multi-billion dollar retail business, Jewell should understand well the impact that high energy costs can have on operational expenses for businesses and the price of manufactured goods, including REI's signature camping gear and other products. As such, CEA hopes Jewell will pursue efforts that thoughtfully expand domestic energy production – both traditional and renewable – in order to support American businesses and consumers."

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CEA Welcomes Next Interior Secretary Nomination

The Obama administration announced Wednesday that Sally Jewell, the CEO of outdoor gear company REI, is the administration's choice to become the nation's 51st Secretary of the Interior. Jewell is a relative newcomer to political circles. Consumer Energy Alliance welcomes the opportunity to learn more about Ms. Jewell's priorities during the confirmation process.

Upon release of the announcement, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt issued the following statement:

"As others have noted, the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior is extremely broad and requires leadership that recognizes the multiple goals and the responsible use of our nation's federal lands and resources. CEA and our more than 200 affiliate members representing virtually every aspect of the U.S. economy look forward to learning about Ms. Jewell's thoughts on this matter and her priorities for the Department of the Interior during the forthcoming confirmation process."

"One of the most defining issues for the next Secretary of the Interior will be providing consistent and reasonable access to abundant energy resources located within the boundaries of our federal lands. The next Secretary of the Interior will preside over decisions that could dramatically change the trajectory of our energy future, namely the future of Outer Continental Shelf energy development and hydraulic fracturing on public lands. Developing these resources while protecting our environment is of the utmost importance, and one that could allow the U.S. to become energy self-sufficient in just a few years."

"Given these multiple goals, it's comforting to know that as the executive of a multi-billion dollar retail business, Jewell should understand well the impact that high energy costs can have on operational expenses for businesses and the price of manufactured goods, including REI's signature camping gear and other products. As such, CEA hopes Jewell will pursue efforts that thoughtfully expand domestic energy production – both traditional and renewable – in order to support American businesses and consumers."

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Ohio Welcomes Energy-Related Growth

Glenn Enslen, Carroll County, Ohio’s economic development director, says the east-central part of the state has been the “forgotten part of Ohio for the last 50 years.” No longer. The development of shale resources have changed that part of the state pretty much overnight. “All of a sudden we’re in the forefront of economic development in the state of Ohio,” Enslen says.

Development of Ohio’s Utica Shale is in its infancy compared to Marcellus Shale activity in next-door Pennsylvania. But the shale regions of Ohio see the signs of an energy-related bonanza in terms of jobs, spin-off jobs and economic growth that lifts all boats. “We’ve seen a huge impact from the oil and gas business,” Enslen says. “We have one local hotel. If you’d like to stay there you can get a reservation in three years.”

Here’s a video on boom conditions that are starting to be felt in a long-overlooked, but primed-for-growth area:

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