Independent Oil and Gas plc ("IOG"), the UK gas company targeting high returns via an infrastructure-led hub strategy, announces that its Chief Operating Officer, Mark Hughes, is retiring for health reasons after a career spanning more than 40 years with Shell, Lasmo, Gaz de France, RWE Dea UK, INEOS Breagh and latterly IOG. 

Andrew Hockey, CEO of IOG, commented: 
"Since he joined IOG in April 2018, Mark has played a key role in its development, guiding the Phase 1 project through the first year of implementation since Final Investment Decision and delivering the Company's first approved Field Development Plan. He has also been instrumental in recruiting and overseeing the experienced development and subsurface teams that are executing Phase 1 as well as planning future phases of growth. 

Although Mark has resigned as a director and stepped down as COO with immediate effect, he has agreed to continue to be available in an advisory role as needed to ensure a smooth transition. The selection process for his successor has started and we expect to appoint a new COO in due course. We have an experienced team in place covering all the key disciplines and I have every confidence that they will continue to deliver Phase 1 as planned. 

We wish Mark the very best in his future retirement and are extremely grateful for all his dedication and expertise over recent years, which have helped to lay the foundations for IOG to become a successful UK operator and material gas producer." 

KeyFacts Energy: IOG UK country profile