THE leading representative body for the UK offshore oil and gas industry has started 2020 with plans to lead the sector towards a more sustainable future.

Two new directors will join OGUK’s team under the continued direction of chief executive officer Deirdre Michie OBE. Trevor Stapleton is announced as OGUK’s new health, safety and environment (HSE) director while Katy Heidenreich is confirmed as operations director, both commencing their new roles on 3 February 2020.

The two new directors join a reshaped leadership team to support industry in its delivery of Roadmap 2035:A Blueprint For Net Zero.

Commenting, Michie said: “2020 is synonymous with perfect vision and we are wasting no time in getting to work delivering industry’s ambitious plans for the future outlined in Roadmap 2035:A Blueprint For Net Zero.

“I’m delighted to announce these changes to our leadership team which will enable us to even better support companies and to help drive action as we work to inform, engage and advocate the importance of this industry as part of a diverse energy mix.

“We have a challenging but exciting year ahead of us as we work to support all our members that operate in or provide services to the UK offshore energy industry. With continued volatility in oil markets our focus remains on enabling a safe and competitive industry that delivers to its full potential within the energy transition, ensuring the North Sea remains an internationally attractive place to do business.

“Katy and Trevor each bring an incredible amount of experience and are highly regarded by their peers. Their strategic insight will be critical as we gear up to deliver our blueprint for net zero, demonstrating the practical steps companies are taking to reduce emissions, meet UK energy needs and develop our people and skills for the future.

“This industry has a positive role to play in providing solutions to the UK’s net-zero challenge and we are already in action with our roadmap. Leading from the front, OGUK is proud to champion our dynamic and diverse industry and we look forward to continuing to work with all of our stakeholders in the year ahead.”

Matt Abraham will take on a more focused brief as supply chain and exports director, directing his extensive experience in contractor companies to help grow exports and support a resilient, competitive and diverse supply chain. Meanwhile. Mike Tholen will become OGUK’s sustainability director, using his own deep experience in the industry to help drive action to deliver a net zero basin, from the operational production of oil and gas and assisting the UK in reducing its total GHG emissions through to adoption of technologies including Carbon Capture Usage and Storage.

Graham Elgie continues as OGUK’s Finance and Corporate Services director and Gareth Wynn as OGUK’s Stakeholder and Communications director.

Commenting, OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie said: “2020 is synonymous with perfect vision and we are wasting no time in getting to work delivering industry’s ambitious plans for the future outlined in Roadmap 2035: a blueprint for net zero.

“I’m delighted to announce these changes to our leadership team which will enable us to even better support companies and to help drive action as we work to inform, engage and advocate the importance of this industry as part of a diverse energy mix.

“We have a challenging but exciting year ahead of us as we work to support all our members that operate in or provide services to the UK offshore energy industry. With continued volatility in oil markets our focus remains on enabling a safe and competitive industry that delivers to its full potential within the energy transition, ensuring the North Sea remains an internationally attractive place to do business.

“Katy and Trevor each bring an incredible amount of experience and are highly regarded by their peers. Their strategic insight will be critical as we gear up to deliver our blueprint for net zero, demonstrating the practical steps companies are taking to reduce emissions, meet UK energy needs and develop our people and skills for the future.

“This industry has a positive role to play in providing solutions to the UK’s net zero challenge and we are already in action with our Roadmap. Leading from the front, OGUK is proud to champion our dynamic and diverse industry and we look forward to continuing to work with all of our stakeholders in the year ahead.”