NORTH Sea focused Independent Oil & Gas has underlined its interest in acquisitions by appointing a prominent industry figure and a dealmaker to its board. David Peattie has become chairman of London-based Independent after a career which has included running the Fairfield Energy business in the North Sea and BP’s operations in Russia. Andrew Hay, a managing director in the corporate finance business of the Edmond de Rothschild Group, has become a non-executive director of Independent Oil & Gas. Independent said Mr Peattie’s deep sector knowledge will be of great value to the company, particularly with regard to its development and mergers and acquisition plans. Mr Peattie said: “The Company faces an exciting period of value creating in the UK North Sea where many opportunities exist for the wise investor and reliable partner.” Independent’s chief executive Mark Routh has said the downturn in the oil and gas industry has created opportunities to buy assets at attractive prices. He said Mr Hay has an extensive track record in corporate finance and capital markets work. Mr Routh had been interim chairman.