Net Zero UK gas and infrastructure operator IOG has appointed Esa Ikaheimonen as interim chairman. The appointment follows Fiona MacAulay’s decision not to stand for re-election as a director of the company at the next Annual General Meeting. MacAulay, who has chaired the IOG since December 2018, has also stepped down as director.
The company said in its statement that it intends to appoint Esa Ikaheimonen as president of IOG initially on an interim basis, after the AGM. Ikaheimonen has been IOG’s senior independent non-executive director since March 2019 and is the current chairman of the Audit Committee, according to the company’s statement. Ikaheimonen has 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and is currently the CFO of ADNOC Drilling Company PJSC and a non-executive director of Averda International. His previous experience includes spells at Shell, Transocean and Vantage Drilling.
The company said it has started a process to hire two more non-executive directors to provide more strength to the Board in depth for the next phase of the business.
“It has been a real honor to serve as Chairman of IOG as we went from an unfunded concept to the UK’s new gas producer. The journey has not been without its challenges, but thanks to the tireless efforts of the team, we have come a long way in that time. Looking ahead, I have great confidence that the renewed management team can regain momentum and realize the true potential of this business,” commented Fiona MacAulay, outgoing chairman of IOG.
“It has been a pleasure working with Fiona as she helped guide IOG through its development and early stages as a gas producing company. We wish her the best in her future endeavours. As we make a process to strengthen even more the Board, Esa is ideally placed to take on the role of Interim Chairman. He brings his deep understanding of the company, deep industry experience and extensive financial and commercial experience to the role,” said Rupert Newall , CEO of IOG.
“I would like to thank Fiona for her great contribution to the progress of IOG. I am delighted to have the opportunity to chair the Board. I have a good understanding of the company’s current challenges and opportunities and am encouraged by the strong partnership and desire for success of the new executive team. Equally, I am very focused on holding them to account to deliver the changes needed to deliver value to this business,” added Esa Ikaheimonen, incoming president of IOG.
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