UK regulator launches search for new CEO

Independent UK regulator the Oil and Gas Authority said February 4 it had begun the search for a successor to CEO Andy Samuel, who will step down in December 2022 after eight years in the position.

The OGA said in 2020 that Samuel would remain as CEO for an additional two years, extending his contract that was due to expire in 2020 until the end of 2022.

"We have appointed Russell Reynolds Associates to support us in the appointment and the search process will commence shortly," the regulator said.

As the oil and gas industry was grappling with the challenges caused by the coronavirus and low oil prices, Samuel continued work from 2020 to 2022 to safeguard both the energy supply and the thousands of jobs in the UK oilfield sector which help deliver it.

To ensure a smooth transition, the intention is to appoint a successor in the summer so that the new appointee can take up the role in time to allow for a transition period until Samuel's departure.