Rockhopper Exploration PLC on Wednesday appointed Simon Thomson as its new non-executive chair, effective from October 1.
Current Non-Executive Chair Keith Lough will formally leave the board on September 30, as previous announced.
The Salisbury, England-based oil and gas exploration and production company said Thomson is a ‘highly-experienced oil and gas executive’, having served as chief executive officer of Cairn Energy PLC, now known as Capricorn Energy PLC, from 2011 to 2023. Thomson joined Cairn in 1995.
‘During his tenure as CEO, Simon participated in and led multiple international corporate transactions, and delivered substantial cash returns to shareholders generated from organic growth opportunities,’ Rockhopper said.
‘Simon also has significant experience in the successful leadership of complex international arbitrations and legal disputes, including the successful collection of $1.2 billion in association with a dispute with the government of India.’
Rockhopper also noted the appointment on Paul Mayland as an independent non-executive director, also joining on October 1, replacing Non-Executive Director John Summers, who, similarly to Lough, will also step down on September 30. Both Lough and Mayland worked at Rockhopper for over nine years, the company.
Senior Independent Director Alison Baker commented: ‘On behalf of the board, I would like to welcome Simon and Paul to Rockhopper, both of whom bring a wealth of extremely relevant experience to the team. We are looking forward to leveraging Simon’s experience in respect of our ongoing arbitration regarding Ombrina Mare, and Paul’s expertise in securing [a final investment decision] for offshore energy projects.’
Incoming Non-Executive Chair Thomson added: ‘I am delighted to be joining the team at Rockhopper, at an exciting time for the group. I am looking forward to working with the team and our partner, Navitas, to further progress the Sea Lion project, and to achieving a successful outcome in the Ombrina Mare arbitration.’
Shares in Rockhopper were down 3.5% to 12.16 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.
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