UK: OGA looking for permanent head of decommissioning

UK’s offshore oil and gas industry regulator, the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), has named an acting head of decommissioning until a process of recruiting a permanent head is completed.

The OGA said on Monday that it named Gunther Newcombe, current director of operations, as the acting head of decommissioning.

The organization added Newcombe would fulfill these duties in addition to those he carries out under his permanent role as director of operations.

Newcombe said: “The OGA are looking for a new head of decommissioning following the departure of Jim Christie at the end of June and we are keen to hear from potential candidates.

“During the period of recruitment, I will be acting head of decommissioning and also taking on the role of supporting Terri King, of ConocoPhillips, on the Decommissioning Task Force.”

Before joining OGA in June 2015, Newcombe worked as BP’s VP of decommissioning during the period 2007 – 2012 and was responsible for the removal of NW Hutton platform and begin the decommissioning processes of the Miller and Don fields.

The Head of Decommissioning leads the Decommissioning team within the Operations Directorate and reports to the Director of Operations.

The OGA’s advert for the Head of Decommissioning role can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/2uAP5ET