UK: Talisman Sinopec names Managing Director

Talisman Sinopec Energy UK is pleased to announce that Bill Dunnett has been appointed Managing Director with effect from April 7.

Dunnett will succeed Paul Warwick who will return to his role as Executive Vice President, Talisman Energy Inc., following completion of Dunnett’s transition by mid-May.

Dunnett is a chartered engineer with more than 30 years’ experience in the international oil and gas industry. He graduated in 1984 with a First in Engineering before joining Mobil North Sea as a petroleum engineer.

The majority of his career has been focused on the North Sea, particularly major projects and the operation of mature-asset portfolios. While working offshore in the Beryl Field, he implemented the findings of the Cullen Report which has driven his career-long passion for safe and high-integrity operations.

Dunnett was a project manager for the Shell Brent Redevelopment Project for five years before joining Halliburton to lead their Production Services. He was then promoted to SVP for Global Offshore Capital Projects, based in Houston and Brazil, where, amongst other responsibilities, he led the turnaround of the Baracuda/Caratinga project.

In 2007, Dunnett joined Petrofac, initially managing the strategically important Don Field Development and, in 2009, took over Petrofac Offshore Projects and Operations (OPO), based in Aberdeen. Within the OPO portfolio, he has had global accountability for the directly operated assets in the UK, Malaysia, Tunisia, Iraq, Algeria and Sharja and duty holder contracts in the North Sea.

Paul Warwick, Chairman of Talisman Sinopec Energy UK Board of Directors and interim Managing Director of TSEUK, welcomed Dunnett’s appointment: “May will mark a year since the Shareholders took the decision to intervene in TSEUK, demonstrating our commitment to create a safe, sustainable and successful business,” he said.

“These are particularly challenging times not only for TSEUK but also the wider Industry, and Bill’s experience in leading the delivery of projects and operating mature-asset portfolios, together with his passion for safety, are an excellent fit for our company.”

Bill Dunnett said: “I am delighted to be appointed Managing Director of TSEUK at such an important time in the Company’s history. I look forward to working with the TSEUK team and the Board to continue the business transformation and lead the organisation on to the next phase of the turnaround, enabling TSEUK to reach its full potential.”

Paul Warwick will remain as the interim Managing Director through to mid-May, enabling Bill to transition fully into his new role. Paul will then return to his role as Executive Vice President with Talisman Energy Inc.