Monday 5 January 1998

New UKOOA President and Executive Officers

5 January 1998 - The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) today announces the appointment of its Executive Officers for 1998 with Steve Suellentrop, Managing Director of ARCO British Limited as President for the forthcoming year.

UKOOAs Executive Officers for 1998 are:

President Mr Steve Suellentrop Managing Director, ARCO British Limited

Vice President Mr Francis Gugen Managing Director, Amerada Hess Limited

Vice President Mr Bob Connon Managing Director, Chevron UK Limited

Honorary Secretary Mr Mark Hope Technical Director, Enterprise Oil plc

Honorary Treasurer Mr Alan Jones Director and General Manager, BP Exploration Operating Company Limited

Speaking after his election, Mr Suellentrop said, I am delighted to be elected as President for the coming year. 1998 is going to be a very important and busy year for the oil and gas industry in the UK. The Government will announce its intentions following the fiscal review of the industry. This is an extremely important issue not only for the industry, but for the country as a whole. Each year we contribute about 20% of the total annual investment in UK industry, and directly and indirectly we employ 330,000 people. To maintain this level of investment and jobs, the UK has to compete for investors capital with many other oil and gas producing countries. It is therefore vital that the government maintains the stability and attractiveness of the UK fiscal regime. We can then all confidently continue to make substantial investments in the UK for a long time to come.

Mr Suellentrop emphasised that safety and the environment must hold pride of place in all the industrys activities, In 1998 we must continue our joint efforts to build on the progress which the industry has made in its safety and environmental performance over the last decade. We have a good record of continuous improvement and are committed to doing even better. This effort will involve the operating companies, contractors and employees all working together for mutual benefit.

He also endorsed the industrys efforts to look outwards and foster more dialogue with external audiences. Historically we have been a somewhat inward-looking industry, he commented. As a major UK industry we want people to appreciate the contribution which oil and gas make to their daily lives. That means we must be prepared to talk publicly about what we do, not be afraid to announce our successes, and be ready to respond constructively to criticism. Some excellent work towards this goal was started under my predecessor, Heinz Rothermund, Managing Director of Shell UK Exploration and Production. I look forward to an exciting year ahead for the oil and gas industry.

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