Serica Energy appoints Chris Cox as CEO to drive strategic growth

Serica Energy plc (AIM: SQZ) appoints Chris Cox as CEO, effective 1 July 2024. David Latin will cease his interim CEO role at the same time. Chris Cox, with over forty years of oil and gas experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Serica Energy.

Key Appointment to Boost Serica Energy’s Strategic Ambitions

London, UK – Serica Energy plc, a British independent upstream oil and gas company, announced the appointment of Chris Cox as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2024. David Latin, Chairman of Serica Energy, will end his temporary role as Interim CEO concurrent with this appointment.

Chris Cox’s extensive experience spans over four decades in the oil and gas sector, where he has held various roles with major and independent companies. In the past twenty years, Cox has led complex multi-asset and multi-country businesses. His previous roles include CEO of Spirit Energy, Interim CEO at Capricorn Energy, and Chairman of Kellas Midstream. Cox has also served as a non-executive director of private equity and publicly listed companies, most recently with Nostrum Oil and Gas. He holds a BSc in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College, London.

Leadership and Vision for Growth

David Latin, Chairman and Interim CEO of Serica Energy, expressed confidence in Cox’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to have secured the services of Chris Cox after a rigorous recruitment process. His technical and commercial acumen, combined with his track record in leadership and teambuilding as CEO of substantial upstream entities operating in multiple geographies, including the UK and Norway, make him an excellent fit with Serica’s existing operations, exciting drilling programme currently underway, and ambitions to grow through M&A. With this appointment, we have our new executive team in place and I look forward to working with them to deliver growth and returns for our investors.”

Chris Cox commented on his new role, “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the team at Serica at this very important time. In the last several years, Serica has established itself as one of the leading producing companies in the UK North Sea. I will do my utmost to continue the Company’s reputation for safe high-quality operational performance, to realise the significant potential for growth within the existing portfolio, and to add further value for shareholders through M&A.”

Strategic Focus and Future Plans

Under Cox’s leadership, Serica Energy aims to enhance its operational performance and strategic growth. The company’s existing drilling program and future M&A activities will be pivotal in achieving these goals. Cox’s extensive experience in leading multi-country operations and his technical expertise are expected to drive Serica Energy towards achieving its growth ambitions.

Chris Cox’s appointment as CEO marks a significant step for Serica Energy in its journey towards strategic growth and operational excellence. With his vast experience and leadership skills, Cox is poised to lead the company through its next phase of development, focusing on enhancing shareholder value and expanding its presence in the UK North Sea.