The UK’s newly-minted oil and gas industry regulator has appointed Sir Patrick Brown as its chairman, Energy Secretary Ed Davey said today.
The establishment of the fledgling Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), headed by chief executive Andy Samuel, was called for in last year’s Wood Review, which set out a series of recommendations aimed at maximising the recovery of UK fossil fuels.
The watchdog, which is slated to become an executive agency next month, has already appointed three directors and is in the process of hiring three more as it looks to firm up its leadership team.
Sir Patrick, who served as the UK Transport Department’s permanent secretary from 1991 to 1997, said: “I’m very pleased to be joining the OGA and look forward to working with Andy Samuel to make sure the oil and gas industry is in the best possible shape for the future.”
Mr Davey said: “Sir Patrick brings a wealth of experience to this role and his appointment is another step forward in getting the OGA up and running at a crucial time for the North Sea industry which plays a vital role in protecting the UK’s energy security.”
By Laura Redpath
