Malcolm Webb, Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive, said: “Oil & Gas UK is fortunate to have individuals of the highest calibre on its Board of Directors. Our aim is to maximise the recovery of the UK’s oil and gas resources, promote the long term sustainable future of our industry’s supply chain and raise awareness of this great British industry, the UK’s largest industrial investor. It is therefore of great benefit to us that experienced senior executives such as Phil Kirk are willing to volunteer for this extra commitment to the sector.

 “It is particularly appropriate to have a leader of a young independent oil and gas company on the Board at a time when the UK continental shelf is experiencing something of a renaissance, attracting significant new investment from companies big and small, right across the industry.”

Mr Kirk has wide experience of UK exploration and production operations. Chrysaor is currently involved in the development of the important west of Shetlands Solan field which is creating hundreds of jobs and reviving fabrication activity in Scotland.

Mr Kirk said: “It is a privilege to be joining the Board of Oil & Gas UK and I look forward to working with my fellow directors to promote the British oil and gas industry.  I hope that we can continue to encourage UK innovation and investment together with promoting the sector as a safe and exciting long-term career choice for young people in the UK.” 

Mr Webb concluded: “Oil & Gas UK is keen to ensure that its Board of Directors is truly representative of the broad spread of companies of all types and sizes involved in the UK upstream oil and gas industry. I am delighted to say that interest in joining the Board remains high, which bodes well for the future. We are certainly keen to ensure that all the leaders of our member companies who are able and willing to serve on the Board have the opportunity to do so over time.”