IOGP elects BP man as new MC chair

After two years, Monika Hausenblas of Shell has decided to step down from her role as Chair of International Association of Oil & Gas Producers’ Management Committee (MC). IOGP has already named a replacement.

However, Hausenblas will continue to represent her company on the Association’s governing body.

In accordance with IOGP’s Articles of Association, Fawaz (Fuzzy) Bitar of BP has been appointed MC Chair, effective March 1, 2018.

As BP’s upstream head of global operations, Bitar is directly accountable for delivering all aspects of operational performance and strategy, including safety, production and cost. His day job perfectly aligns with IOGP’s full range of committee interests and activities, IOGP said.

Commenting on his new role, Bitar said: “It is a pivotal time for our industry – the world requires more energy, with fewer emissions and at lower cost. The transition to a lower-carbon economy and a competitive market are big challenges for oil and gas producers, but also provide great opportunities. As we navigate these challenges, the industry’s need for a powerful and consistent voice is greater than ever. Whether it be working to improve industry safety, leading the development of standardized products to improve competitiveness or advocating oil and gas as key components of the future energy mix, the role of IOGP has never been more important.”

In announcing the MC changes, IOGP Executive Director Gordon Ballard thanked Monika Hausenblas and described how “…under her leadership, IOGP has weathered considerable market challenges and grown to become a more effective advocate for our upstream industry.”

Looking back over her time as MC Chair, Hausenblas commended “steps taken by IOGP over the last two years in collaboratively driving the standardization and safety agenda for the oil and gas industry, including implementation of IOGP 577 – Fabrication Site Construction Safety Practices, and the ongoing initiative to standardize the Life Saving Rules. This is a welcome change in our industry’s mindset and serves our urgent need to deliver tangible improvements in capital efficiency and safety performance, while also enhancing our future credibility.”