Brazil’s Petrobras has announced that its Board of Directors has elected Maria das Graças Silva Foster as CEO, taking over from José Sergio Gabrielli de Azevedo. Mr. Gabrielli will remain in office until next Monday, February 13th, when the new CEO will take office.
José Sergio Gabrielli de Azevedo is also leaving the Company’s Board of Directors, which elected Maria das Graças Silva Foster as new member. This election, according to the provisions of the Brazilian legislation and Petrobras’ By-laws, is valid until the next Shareholders’ General Meeting.
Maria das Graças Silva Foster has worked at Petrobras for 31 years. She has been Director for Gas and Energy and CEO of Gaspetro – Petrobras Gás S.A since 2007. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and a Post-Graduate Degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Rio de Janeiro Federal University (COPPE/UFRJ). She also has an MBA in Economics from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV/RJ).
Mr. José Sérgio Gabrielli de Azevedo has been at the helm of Petrobras since June 22, 2005, and has lead Petrobras during a period of enormous growth, that’s seen it become the second largest oil company in the world by market value, and encompassed the discovery of vast deepwater oil and gas reserves in the pre-salt area – the most important new petroleum discovery of the last decade.
“Petrobras is grateful for the contributions made by José Sergio Gabrielli de Azevedo as CEO and member of its Board. We thank Mr. Gabrielli for his leadership skills, technical competence and high level of professionalism and dedication during his administration” says the company’s press release.
[mappress] Offshore Energy Today Staff, February 10, 2012; Images: Petrobras