OIL & Gas UK has begun the search for a new chief executive after announcing the retirement of current incumbent Malcolm Webb.
The trade body for the offshore sector said Mr Webb, who joined more than 10 years ago, will step down at some point in 2015.
The exact timing of his departure will depend on the recruitment of his successor.
Curzon Partnership, the London-based executive search specialist, has been appointed to handle the process.
Mr Webb, who spent three years as director general of the UK Petroleum Industry before taking up the post, has steered Oil & Gas UK through major change during his tenure.
Since joining in 2004, when it was known as UKOOA (UK Offshore Operators' Association), membership has been opened up to all companies in the UK offshore oil and gas industry.
It now has nearly 500 member companies.
Mr Webb said: "This is a great job. It is a privilege and a joy to lead the Oil & Gas UK team and to speak for this magnificent British industry. However it is the right time for me to pass the baton on.
"The industry and its trade association have a great future ahead of them and need a new CEO to help them realise that future over the coming years."
Mr Webb sits on various industry and government forums. He is a member of PILOT, the government and oil and gas industry forum, the Scottish Government's energy advisory board, the UK Treasury's oil industry fiscal forum, and the UK Oil & Gas industry council.
He received an honorary doctorate from Robert Gordon University for services to the oil and gas industry in 2012.
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