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NEO Energy CEO Harris steps down after less than two years in function

North Sea focused NEO Energy stated on Tuesday its ceo Paul Harris will step down from his role after less than 2 years in the position.

A market veteran, Harris joined NEO in December 2019 as chief running officer and was selected CEO in January 2023.

Company expert Andy McIntosh has actually been designated as the brand-new CEO, NEO stated in a declaration. Furthermore, chief technical officer Martin Rowe will likewise be leaving the organisation, with Craig McKenzie actioning in to take his place.

NEO's chairman Martin Bachmann and non-executive directors David Gair and Fiona Hill have actually also stepped down from their board positions.

The management shuffle follows NEO stated last month it would slow investment in all tasks it has under development, blaming fiscal and regulatory unpredictability in the British oil and gas sector.

The Labour federal government said in late July it would increase the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) from 35% to 38% beginning Nov. 1, bringing the headline rate of tax on oil and gas activities to 78%, among the greatest in the world. Its duration was likewise extended by a year to March 2030.

Spanish oil company Repsol also aborted a deal to combine its UK North Sea oil and gas business with NEO in August, according to three sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

NEO, which operates and holds interests in numerous properties in the UK North Sea, had previously stated that the tax boost and possible changes to the financial regime beyond March 2030 would have a negative influence on the general practicality on a project such as the Buchan Horst.

NEO, founded in 2019 with the backing of personal equity fund HitecVision, included that Harris and Rowe will support the company till completion of the year to help with transition.

(source: Reuters)