After what will have been nearly five years at the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), Gunther Newcombe has decided to retire early next year, leaving the organisation at the end of March.

As Director of Operations his impact on both the industry and the OGA has been vast and we know that he will be enormously missed when he steps down.

Andy Samuel, the OGA's Chief Executive said 'There will be lots more to say nearer the time of his departure, but for now I’d like to be the first – on behalf of the Board and the whole organisation - to wish Gunther all the very best as he retires from the OGA and to thank him for the incredible contribution he has made.

We have agreed to plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition, our intention is to recruit a successor as Director of Operations over the coming months, aiming for the new director to be on-seat by the end of the year allowing for a period of handover with Gunther before his departure.'