Tuesday 8 March 2005

UKOOA Announces New President

Ian Hewitt, Vice President - UK Upstream at BG Group plc, is to take over as the new President of the UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), with immediate effect.  Ian is currently a Vice President of UKOOA and he replaces Alan Booth who has stepped down from the UKOOA presidency following his resignation as managing director of Nexen Petroleum UK Limited.

Malcolm Webb, UKOOA Chief Executive, said:  Ian Hewitt is a leading industry figure with a wealth of knowledge and experience of the oil and gas business.  I am delighted that he has agreed to be the Associations new President. 

I would also like to thank Alan for his support these past 15 months which has been a time of great adjustment for the Association.  His leadership ensured a smooth transition through management change and leaves the organisation well-equipped to represent the industry as oil and gas development in the North Sea matures.

Ian Hewitt said:  The UK upstream oil and gas industry has a bright but challenging year ahead. In this new role I look forward to building on Alans excellent work and ensuring that our industrys expertise, importance and interests continue to be represented to our wide group of stakeholders to very highest standards.

We are seeing an encouraging upturn in exploration and development activity but we must sustain these levels wherever possible to maximise the economic recovery of the basins remaining hydrocarbons.  Central to this is ensuring that the North Sea maintains an optimal environment for business - any volatility or uncertainty, particularly relating to fiscal and regulatory change, will only hinder investment planning.  UKOOA needs to remain a strong voice so that this is avoided.

Ian Hewitt has worked for BG for 20 years. He currently runs the UK Upstream business and has previously held senior executive posts within the company. He was formerly Senior Vice President & General Manager for BG Egypt and Business Development Director for BG in South East Asia.   Prior to joining BG Group, Ian worked for Amoco, Shell and British Steel. 

For more information, please call 020 7802 2400.