Shell veteran Deirdre Michie has been appointed chief executive of Oil & Gas UK, the lobby group for the sector, and will succeed Malcolm Webb who retires at the end of May.

Mrs Michie will take up her position from 1 May and will be based in the organisation’s Aberdeen office.  She has spent 30 years in senior UK and global upstream and downstream management positions at Shell.

A graduate in Scots law from Dundee University, she joins Oil & Gas UK at a crucial time for the UK offshore oil and gas industry.

The trade body is currently spearheading industry collaboration on cost reduction and efficiency initiatives as well as leading discussions with the UK Government on tax and regulatory reform, playing a vital role in the implementation of the Wood Review recommendations on maximising economic recovery of the UK’s oil and gas offshore resource.

She said: “This is a hugely challenging time for the industry that will require us all – industry, government and the new regulator – to work co-operatively and collaboratively to ensure we address the issues that face us.

“This is a great industry, a key part of the British economy and with a UK-based supply chain that is world-class.  Oil & Gas UK has a crucial role in helping the industry to emerge from the current downturn on a stronger, fitter and more sustainable footing that will see the UK producing oil and gas from its offshore areas for decades to come.  It is a role I will greatly relish.”

Oil & Gas UK co-chairman, Trevor Garlick, regional president – BP North Sea, said:  “Deirdre Michie’s strong oil and gas industry background will help her represent the broad spectrum of our membership, whilst also providing the strategic thinking and direction the industry needs from its trade association, especially in these challenges times.

“Oil & Gas UK has been transformed under Malcolm Webb’s leadership into a highly influential trade association widely accepted as the voice of the UK offshore oil and gas industry.  With Deirdre Michie at its head, our representative body will be in good hands.”

The recruitment search was led by The Curzon Partnership.

The following also join the board:

Craig May, managing director of Chevron Upstream Europe Limited, is appointed as a representative of the operator community bringing experience gained in oil and gas roles across the globe. He replaces Andy Samuel, formerly of BG Group.

Neil McCulloch, president North Sea at EnQuest, is appointed to represent the operator community and brings an understanding of the business gained in a variety of upstream companies.

Richard Mintern, chief executive of Northern Europe at Babcock Mission Critical Services, will represent the contractor community, bringing his 25 years’ experience in the international aviation business.