Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) has announced the appointment of a new co-chairman, as the industry’s focus on recovery and transition intensifies.
Arne Gürtner, senior vice president UK & Ireland offshore at Equinor, takes over the role on the trade body’s board from Phil Kirk, who is stepping down, with immediate effect.
He will work with contractor co-chairman, Phil Simons, VP North Sea & Canada at energy services firm Subsea 7.
Based in Equinor’s UK operations headquarters in Aberdeen, Mr Gürtner leads the organisation supporting the Norwegian energy giant’s UK and Ireland upstream activities.
That includes the Mariner development and Rosebank, one of the largest undeveloped resources on the UKCS.
He has previously held a variety of leadership roles across Equinor and brings a “wealth of industry experience” to the trade body.
As well as his new role on OGUK’s board, Mr Gürtner also holds the position of Oil and Gas Authority asset stewardship task force co-chairman.
Deirdre Michie, OGUK’s chief executive, commented: “We’re delighted to have Arne step into the role as co-chair of the OGUK board. The industry experience he has will be vital as we seek to manage our way successfully through the challenges brought by the pandemic while seeking to deliver our net-zero ambitions.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Phil Kirk for all of his support. His insight, steer and guidance has been invaluable, and we are delighted that he will remain on the board.
“We value the different perspectives from across the industry, in our work to deliver Roadmap 2035. This diversity in thought is key to finding solutions for low carbon oil and gas production, whilst doing everything we can to support our world-class but fragile supply chain and protect the skills of our people for the future.”