African Petroleum CEO steps down, COO takes over

African Petroleum announced on Wednesday that Dr Stuart Lake, CEO and Executive Director, is stepping down with immediate effect for health reasons.

Jens Pace, who joined the company in 2012 and is currently serving as Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position of CEO. Pace is a geoscientist with over 30 years of industry experience which includes exploration leadership roles in Africa and other regions for BP.

The company says that, as part of his new role as CEO, it is anticipated that Pace will be joining the Board in due course.

Commenting on this update, Charles Matthews, Chairman of African Petroleum said: “It is with regret that Stuart is leaving us and we wish him a speedy and full recovery. He has been a great leader for African Petroleum and has enabled the Company to take great strides forwards. Fortunately, African Petroleum has the strength and depth within the existing management to be able to make the required changes internally.

“Jens and the rest of the experienced management team have been working very closely with Stuart during our ongoing partner negotiations and we remain confident in our ability to successfully conclude transactions in the near future.”

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