Change of chief for Hurricane

The chief executive of Hurricane Energy has resigned amid a boardroom reshuffle at the North Sea operator.

Robert Trice, who has served the firm for some 16 years, is also leaving his director role, but will be available to help the London-listed company during a transition period of six months.

Beverley Smith has been appointed interim chief executive. Smith had a successful 30-year career with industry heavyweight BG Group and has been a non-executive director of Hurricane since December.

The firm said that she would bring “a wealth of production geology and field development leadership experience in the UK and internationally, which will be invaluable as the company continues its transition from pure exploration towards a maturing production company”.

Richard Chaffe, who has been acting chief financial officer since February, has been confirmed as chief financial officer and an executive director. Chaffe joined the business in 2016 as head of finance.

Meanwhile, non-executive director Roy Kelly has stepped down from the board and has been replaced with immediate effect by Alan Parsley, a member of the advisory board of

Kerogen Capital. Jason Cheng has stepped down from his alternate director position in relation to Kerogen’s nominated director. Leonard Tao will continue in this role, acting as alternate to Parsley.

Chairman Steven Mctiernan said: “The board commends Dr Trice’s pioneering efforts to explore the viability of the unique basement oil play west of the Shetlands.

“His dedication over a period of 16 years has built Hurricane into a recognised UK operator today, culminating in the outstanding success of delivering first oil in May 2019.

“I am very pleased that Beverley has taken on the role of interim chief executive officer.”