Europa Oil & Gas makes changes to board of directors

Europa Oil & Gas has made two changes to the company’s board of directors, effective from January 25, 2018.

Europa said on Thursday that Simon Oddie replaced non-executive chairman Colin Bousfield, who is stepping down from the board of directors.

The company added that it also appointed Brian O’Cathain as a non-executive director.

According to the company, Oddie has over 40 years of experience as a petroleum engineer, technical consultant, manager, and investment adviser in the upstream oil and gas sector.

He worked with Schlumberger, ERC Energy Resource Consultants, Enterprise Oil, and Gemini Oil and Gas Advisors during which time he gained extensive experience in technical, senior management and finance functions. Oddie was also the CEO of Enterprise Italy and architect of the Gemini Oil and Gas royalty funds.

O’Cathain is a geologist and petroleum engineer with over thirty years of experience in senior technical and commercial roles in upstream oil and gas exploration and production companies, including Shell International, Enterprise Oil, and Tullow Oil.

He has experience in working in West Africa, North Africa, onshore Europe, and the North Sea. He was the chief executive of Petroceltic International from 2007 to 2016. During this period, Petroceltic discovered the Ain Tsila gas condensate field in Algeria and concluded a nil-premium merger with Melrose Energy. Before this, he served as chief executive of Afren from 2005 to 2007.

Europa’s CEO, Hugh Mackay, said: “I am delighted to welcome Simon and Brian to the board. They each bring substantial and relevant experience of upstream exploration and production along with first-class technical and commercial expertise. We are focused on our corporate performance, and I am confident they will both play a key role in achieving future success for the company.

“I have very much enjoyed working with Colin over these last four years and thank him for the substantial contribution he has made to Europa during this time.”

Europa’s outgoing chairman, Colin Bousfield, added: “It has been a privilege to be associated with Europa and I would like to thank shareholders, employees and fellow board members for their support over the years.”