Rockhopper Exploration plc has appointed Richard Slape to the board as a non-executive director, with immediate effect.
His appointment comes as senior independent director Alison Baker’s retirement from the board at the next general meeting, expected in June 2026.
“I would like to thank Alison for her unstinting support and contribution to the company’s progress in her time on the board and wish her the very best for her future endeavours,” said chairman Simon Thomson.
“I am very pleased she was able to see the sanction of Sea Lion [project] achieved during her tenure.”
In addition to the board changes, current independent NED Paul Mayland will become senior independent director.
Mr Slape will join the remuneration, nomination and audit and risk committees and assume chair of the audit and risk committee, currently held by Ms Baker.
He worked as an oil and gas analyst for more than 25 years before moving into corporate positions.
His senior executive roles have included chief financial officer of Kistos Holdings (and its predecessor) from 2021 to 2024.
Mr Slape was previously CFO of RockRose Energy and also served on the board of Lansdowne Oil & Gas.
Rockhopper holds oil and gas interests, notably the Sea Lion joint venture, in the North Falkland Basin.