UK oilfield services firm ASCO names new CEO

UK oilfield services provider ASCO has named Peter France as new CEO as its current chief executive has left to pursue other opportunities.

Peter France has most recently worked as CEO of Rotork, a manufacturer of actuator and flow control equipment in the oil and gas sector.

According to ASCO, France led the led the acquisitions of 27 companies as well as driving significant organic growth across Rotork where he joined in 1989 and where he became CEO in 2008.

France, who will take over as CEO on October 1, said ASCO was an outstanding business with a reputation for excellence across the oil services industry.

ASCO specializes in supply base management operations, with a suite of complementary services, including materials and warehouse management, waste management, decommissioning, transport and logistics, training, personnel provision, fuel services, and marine management.

“I am looking forward to becoming part of the community in Aberdeen and to working closely with my new colleagues, customers, and suppliers across the world to build on the long and successful history of the company.  ASCO has an exciting future ahead of it and I am delighted to be on board,” France said.

John Gemmell, Chairman of ASCO and Partner at DH Private Equity Partners, said today: “The appointment of Peter France signals DH Private Equity Partners’ ongoing commitment to ASCO. We are fortunate to have found such an experienced leader with an outstanding track record of growth to steward ASCO through the next stage of its development.  ASCO is a truly international business with a great team and a highly promising future.  Together with the rest of the Board and our colleagues across the world, we look forward to working with Peter to continue ASCO’s successful journey.”

Peter replaces Alan Brown, who was appointed CEO of ASCO in 2014 and who has left the company to pursue other opportunities.

Gemmel also thanked Brown “for his leadership over the last four years during what has been a difficult period in the oil and gas market.”

Gemmel added: “During Alan’s tenure, ASCO has invested heavily in its systems to support and optimize customers’ supply chains, has invested in developing value-added services in Materials Management, Waste handling & Marine, and has maintained the highest standards of service.  ASCO is now much better placed to support customers than when he joined in 2014.”