Ophir Energy says BP veteran William Schrader to be chairman

William Schrader will replace Nicholas Smith as chairman of oil and gas company Ophir Energy with effect from 30 April.

Schrader has over 30 years’ experience working at BP and joined the board of Ophir as a non-executive director in February 2013.

Senior independent non-executive director Ron Blakely said: “Bill was the outstanding candidate for the role of chairman, combining over 30 years of industry experience with three years on the board of Ophir.

“He has been an excellent board member and I have no doubt will prove to be an outstanding chairman.”

Ophir also said on Wednesday that chief financial officer Anthony Rouse will be made an executive director with immediate effect.

Rouse, who joined Ophir in October 2014, has over 30 years' experience in the upstream oil and gas industry including 13 years of assignments in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

At 1056 GMT, Ophir shares were up 1.4% to 90.53p.