New Oil and Gas Authority CEO

Below are highlights from a statement made by Ed Davey, UK Secretary of Energy and the Environment on the appointment of Andy Samuel as the new CEO of the Oil and Gas Authority.

‘The UK’s oil and gas industry is of national importance: a key contributor to growth, jobs, tax revenue and energy security. The industry supports 450 000 jobs directly or indirectly and paid £ 4.7 billion in direct taxes in 2012/13. Around 42 billion bbls of oil and gas have so far been produced from the UKCS, and around 20 billion could still be discovered. Although peak production is now behind us, we must maintain our momentum and make the most of the huge opportunity that the UKCS still represents.

‘To ensure we maximise the economic recovery of the UK’s oil and gas resources, in 2013, I commissioned Sir Ian Wood to lead a review into the challenges the oil and gas industry is currently facing.’

Review findings

‘Sir Ian published his final report on 24 February 2014. His key finding was that Government and Industry must adopt a cohesive tripartite approach to develop and commit to a new, shared strategy of Maximising Economic Recovery for the UK to maximise the huge economic and energy security opportunity that lies off UK shores. Sir Ian also recommended that DECC should create a new arm’s length body to undertake the role of economic regulator as we move into the next phase of the UKCS, and that the new regulator should seek a number of commitments from industry in areas such as committing to the MER UK strategy, more efficient sharing of infrastructure and improving collaboration.

‘Government has accepted Sir Ian’s recommendations in full and we are making good progress in implementing them, including establishing a new arm’s length body: the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), which will be headquartered in Aberdeen.’

Andy Samuel

‘Today, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Samuel as Chief Executive Officer of the OGA. This is a significant milestone in the establishment of the OGA and demonstrates our commitment to the UK’s oil and gas industry and implementing Sir Ian’s recommendations. Andy is an outstanding candidate and brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role having previously held senior positions within the oil and gas industry, most recently as Managing Director of BG Plc’s Exploration and Production Europe.’

‘Andy will begin this role in early January 2015 and will play a pivotal role in shaping and establishing the new body he will lead. The OGA will be formally established as an Executive Agency in April 2015 to ensure we are maximising economic recovery of our oil and gas resources.’

Edited from statement by Claira Lloyd

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/07112014/oga-ceo-appointed/