Australian Santos Recruits Former BG Group Man for Senior Position

Australian oil and gas producer Santos is replacing its current executive vice president of marketing and trading, John Anderson, with former senior BG Group employee, Philip Byrne, Santos said July 26.

“As a globally experienced oil and gas executive who has held senior commercial and marketing roles, Mr Byrne is a strong addition to the Santos Executive Committee,” Santos managing director and chief executive officer Kevin Gallagher said.

“I am confident he will help us deliver on our commitment to transform, build and grow the business,” he said.

Byrne has 14 years’ experience at BG Group in senior commercial and exploration leadership roles including roles in the UK, Europe and India. He spent a further seven years with BHP Petroleum including president of gas marketing for Asia/Australia and president for North West Shelf Australia LNG, Santos said.

He was previously managing director and chief executive officer of Nido Petroleum where he negotiated with Thai refining company Bangchak Petroleum, who acquired the majority of Nido’s share capital, it said.

Anderson is retiring from the company to pursue other interests, Santos said.

“I would like to recognise John’s strong contribution and commitment to the business over many years and I wish him well for the next phase of his career,” Gallagher said.

“John has worked diligently and passionately at a senior executive level for many years and has most recently laid the foundations for our Marketing and Trading Division,” he said.

Byrne will commence on 14 August and will be a member of the Santos Executive Committee, the company said. 

Nathan Richardson