CAIRN Energy has recruited a senior figure from the US oil and gas industry to lead the company’s exploration effort.

Edinburgh-based Cairn said Eric Hathon will join the company as Director of Exploration from Marathon Oil, where he has held a range of senior international management roles.

Mr Hathon will succeed Richard Heaton, who will step down as Director of Exploration following Cairn’s general meeting in May, after 23 years with the firm.

Cairn’s chief executive Simon Thomson said Mr Hathon would bring a wealth of international industry experience to work at the firm, which has made big finds in Asia and Africa.

Mr Hathon is currently director of conventional exploration at Marathon and based in Houston.

Mr Thomson said Mr Hathon has been recruited under a long term succession plan that is intended to ensure Cairn offers shareholders significant growth opportunities.

Noting Mr Heaton had made a significant contribution at Cairn, he added: “ Richard has added significant value for the company, from the early days of managing the business in Bangladesh to his role in the significant discoveries in India and more recently with our exploration success in Senegal.”

Mr Hathon said:“ I am joining the company at an exciting time as it looks to progress the significant finds made in Senegal that have opened up a new basin in West Africa.”

Mr Hathon joined Marathon Oil in 1991 after studying geology at Michigan State University and the University of Missouri.