OIL and gas operator Ithaca Energy has announced that North Sea veteran Roy Buchan is to become its chief operations officer, effective from January 5.

It also said its current chief development officer John Woods is leaving on January 31.

According to Ithaca, Mr Buchan brings more than 30 years of operational experience in the oil and gas industry and was most recently technical and production director of Talisman Sinopec Energy UK.

He has also held roles with Royal Dutch Shell and BG Group, and in joining Ithaca has been granted 750,000 share options, which can be exercised for four years from December 8.

Ithaca's chief executive Les Thomas said: "We are delighted to welcome Roy to head up the company's operations organisation. He brings a wealth of industry experience and a deep understanding of North Sea operations that will be invaluable as the company prepares for the commencement of production from the Stella development."