Ziggy Switkowski to retire from Oil Search board
Ziggy Switkowski will retire as an Oil Search director, in one of two board changes announced by the energy group.
Papua New Guinea-focused energy group Oil Search has announced the departure of Ziggy Switkowski among two board changes.
Dr Switkowski, the former Telstra boss and current Suncorp and NBN Co chairman, will retire at the end of the year, while Oil Search (OSH) said fellow director Bart Philemon will stand aside at the end of this month.
Mr Philemon will be replaced by Mel Togolo from October 1, with the latter currently serving as PNG country manager for Nautilus Minerals.
“Bart’s vast experience in Papua New Guinea and his passion towards contributing to better outcomes for the people of PNG were greatly appreciated by the board,” chairman Rick Lee said.
“Oil Search is fortunate to be able to call on the talents and experience of Mel as a very able replacement for Bart.”
Dr Switkowski’s replacement has been named as Fiona Harris, who left the board at the end of last year owing to a health issue.
Mr Lee said the completion of treatment for the undisclosed condition would allow Ms Harris to assume her former role on the board.
“Ziggy has brought considerable business and strategic expertise to the Oil Search board and it is regrettable, but understandable, that he can no longer continue as a director due to other demands,” he said.
“We are delighted that Fiona is able to renew her association with Oil Search. As demonstrated during her prior term as a director, Fiona’s financial expertise and strong background in corporate governance will be of great benefit to the company as we focus on the next stage of growth.”