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Stuart Payne to succeed Andy Samuel as offshore energy regulator’s boss

NSTA chief executive Stuart Payne
NSTA chief executive Stuart Payne. Image: NSTA

The North Sea regulator’s supply chain and decommissioning head, Stuart Payne, will succeed outgoing chief executive Andy Samuel at the end of this year.

Mr Samuel announced his impending retirement in February, just weeks before the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) unveiled a new strategy and change of name.

He has been CEO since NSTA’s formation as the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) in 2015.

His departure “has been long agreed”, the regulator said in February.

Mr Payne also joined NSTA in 2015 and is currently responsible for decommissioning, leading work with the supply chain and heading the HR function.

He co-chairs the industry’s supply chain and exports task force and is a member of the Scottish Government’s energy transition leadership group.

Prior to joining NSTA, he held a variety of leadership positions in the oil and gas industry, and was made a CBE for services to the sector in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2020.

Starts in the new year

He was appointed by the NSTA board following a competitive internal and external recruitment process, and will assume responsibilities on January 1 2023.

His work will include supporting the industry on vital projects involving electrification, carbon storage, energy hubs and exploration, liaising with other organisations with interests in the North Sea and working even more closely with government and industry in light of challenging global politics.

Mr Samuel said he was “delighted” to hand over the reins to his colleague.

He added: “Stuart has been a key part of the organisation and will do a great job. I’m proud of all my team and our achievements from bolstering security of supply, to leading the energy transition and enhancing economic prosperity for the UK.”

Andy Samuel.

Mr Payne said:  “It has been a pleasure working for Andy, who has made such a big difference in our sector, and it is a great honour and privilege to take over the leadership of the NSTA.

“There are exciting times ahead and I look forward to working with the board and talented colleagues throughout the organisation, as well as government and industry to achieve our aims of helping the UK increase energy security and reach net-zero.”

The news was also welcomed by Energy Minister Greg Hands, who congratulated Mr Payne on Twitter.

NSTA chairman Tim Eggar said Mr Payne was “absolutely the right fit” to carry on the work of his predecessor.

“The sector is going through a period of rapid change and Stuart has the right skills, experience and personality to guide the NSTA and the industry through this crucial time,” Mr Eggar added.

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