UK: Oil and Gas Authority gets interim chair

UK’s Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has appointed an interim chairperson while the search for a permanent replacement is ongoing. 

UK’s oil and gas regulator said on Tuesday that Frances Morris-Jones was named as the interim chair of the board.

Morris-Jones served on the OGA board as a non-executive director since October 2015 and has over 35 years of experience in the international energy sector including senior executive positions with oil and gas majors BP and ConocoPhillips.

The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) appointed the interim chair to serve for the next 12 months until March 31, 2019, while a competition takes place to recruit a permanent successor.

Morris-Jones replaces Patrick Brown whose tenure as chairman ended in March, after three years of service.

Chief executive Andy Samuel said: “Frances brings a wealth of experience to this role and provides continuity to the OGA board, where she has been a great member for the past two and a half years. Frances’ leadership and dedication are most welcome as we continue to work closely with industry and government to deliver the significant value outlined in Vision 2035.”

Regarding her appointment, Jones added: “I am very pleased to be taking up the role. I look forward to building on Sir Patrick’s achievements, supporting the board and addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the sector.”