Samuel is currently the managing director of BG Group’s Exploration and Production in Europe and will start as chief executive on 1 January 2015.
The OGA is an industry funded arms-length body established by government this year following Sir Ian Wood’s review, published February 2014, into the UK’s offshore oil and gas production. The formal recruitment process for its chief executive started in June.
Samuel is tasked with shaping the structure and culture of the OGA and will control how it interacts with industry and wider government with the view to maximise economic recovery from the UK’s oil and gas resources. The OGA will also lead the stewardship of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).
Sir Ian Wood said: “The OGA will need to work very closely with industry over the coming years and Andy’s impressive experience and the significant credibility he holds within the industry will put him in a very strong position to encourage the industry collaboration that is needed as we enter the next phase of the UKCS.”
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has stated that Samuel will be chief executive for an initial three years, with the option of a three year extension subject to performance and will be fully involved in any decisions made between now and January.
Samuel said: “I am honoured to have been chosen to lead the OGA.
“I know first-hand the challenges industry currently faces and am confident that implementing the vision set out in the Wood Review will create a strong future for the UK’s oil and gas industry.”