Division of Responsibilities
There is a defined separation of the responsibilities between Simon Thompson, the non-executive Chairman and Aidan Heavey, the Chief Executive Officer, which has been set out in writing and agreed by the Board. The Chairman is primarily responsible for the effective working of the Board whilst the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the operational management of the business, for developing strategy in consultation with the Board and for implementation of the strategy.
The Chairman
On appointment as Chairman on 1 January 2012, Simon Thompson met the independence criteria set out in the Code.
Non-executive Directors
The non-executive Directors bring a broad range of business and commercial experience to the Company and have a particular responsibility to challenge independently and constructively the performance of the Executive management and to monitor the performance of the management team in the delivery of the agreed objectives and targets. As part of this responsibility, the non-executive Directors meet at least twice a year without the Executive Directors present. Separately, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer hold informal meetings with the non-executive Directors to discuss current issues affecting the Group.
As Senior Independent Director, Steven McTiernan is available to meet shareholders if they have concerns that cannot be resolved through discussion with the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer or for which such contact is inappropriate.
Efforts are made to ensure that the non-executive Directors are briefed on the more technical and operational aspects of our activities, such as the Jubilee offshore development and our extensive exploration programme. Those non-executive Directors with particular expertise in these areas meet regularly with the Chief Operating Officer and the Exploration Director when they are able to contribute more fully at in-depth discussions.
Non-executive Directors are initially appointed for a term of three years, which may, subject to satisfactory performance and re-election by shareholders, be extended by mutual agreement.
