Wednesday 5 March 2003

UKOOA Director General, James May, Announces Intention to Step Down

James May, Director General of the UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), has announced his intention to leave the organisation, once the current re-structuring process is complete.

Speaking at a meeting with staff in London today, Mr May said, When I joined UKOOA six years ago it was a very different organisation. UKOOA ran two small offices, in London and Aberdeen, and the members did almost all of the work. The changes that I was brought in to effect reflected that the organisation needed to do more for the membership and become a mouthpiece for the industry. We were at a beginning of a process that has led to an organisation that is now a confident and respected communicator with the outside world.

As an organisation UKOOA has now doubled in size and continues to grow as the membership rightly demands more from us and as the need for them to run ever more efficient businesses increases.

UKOOA is ready to move on to the next stage and it is time for reflection all round. I have greatly enjoyed my time here, but the new organisation will require at least five years commitment from the Director General. In view of this I have decided that, once the re-organisation is complete, I will step down.

This is a very exciting time for the North Sea Industry and for UKOOA. UKOOA has the opportunity to go forward in a variety of new and dynamic ways, providing leadership across the industry, whilst building on what is a very strong base.

The new Executive Management Team will be the drivers for pan-industry working, giving a focus to that work that has been unattainable to date. I believe that a fresh start will best be served by a new Director General.

I look back with immense satisfaction at what we have achieved here. I will leave behind a team that I have great pride in.

I have a number of options open to me and I will take some time to reflect before making any decisions.

UKOOAs President, Bruce Dingwall, added, UKOOA owes a debt of gratitude to James. The organisation is unrecognisable from the one that he inherited some 6 years ago. It has responded to changing membership needs and will continue to do so.

We will start the search for a new Director General in the next few days and move to an announcement as swiftly as is compatible with making a very high quality appointment.

Notes to Editors

1. The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) is the representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry. Its 28 members are licensed by the British Government to explore for and produce hydrocarbons in UK waters.

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