Bowleven names ex-Asco boss Allan as new chair

Edinburgh-based oil and gas firm Bowleven today named former Asco boss Billy Allan as its new chairman.

Billy Allan also sits on the board of Partick Thistle FC

The Africa-focused explorer, led by chief executive Kevin Hart, said Allan – who also sits on the board of Partick Thistle Football Club – has joined as a non-executive director and is poised to replace Ronnie Hanna as chairman at the end of its annual meeting on 16 December.

Allan, who served as chief executive of Asco for eight years and recently stepped down as chairman of the Aberdeen-based energy services group, said: “I am excited by the growth opportunities available to Bowleven and I look forward to working with Kevin Hart and the entire board on the next stage of the Group’s development.”

Hanna, who has been chairman of Aim-quoted Bowleven since 2006, added: “I am delighted that Billy Allan should succeed me as chairman. His experience in leading international businesses will be invaluable as Bowleven progresses into the next stage of its development.”

The firm also said that Caroline Cook is to step down from its board having served as non-executive director and chair of its audit committee since 2006. She will be succeeded as committee chair by John Martin, who was appointed a non-executive in May.