Xcite Energy says chief executive Richard Smith has decided to retire from his role as chief executive, and has been replaced by founding director and chief financial officer Rupert Cole.

Co-founder Steve Kew, currently exploration and development director, adds the role of chief operating officer. Jon Dale, financial controller, becomes finance director of the group's wholly-owned operating subsidiary.

The group also said yesterday that it was successfully progressing development of the Bentley field, with a satisfactory pre-production flow test.

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