Mark Hagan has resigned as a director of Empire Oil as of 21st November.

Former Horizon Oil (Bligh) exploration manager Terry Russell and former Fletcher Challenge Energy Canada executive Drew Cadenhead have been appointed to the board of Indo-Pacific Energy. Indo-Pacific chief executive Dave Bennett said from Wellington today that both men were very familiar with the Taranaki Basin and its prospectivity, particularly onshore regions. Cadenhead would remain in Canada as a director of the Canadian-listed company, though Russell had already started work in Indo-Pacific's Wellington head office.

Tony Barton has been appointed non-executive chairman of Amity Oil, following Richard Elliott's ending his tenure as executive director. Elliott will continue on as a non-executive director while Barton will assume special responsibility for investor relations.

Kimberley Oil NL said Dr David Gellatly has tendered his resignation as a director and will not have any ongoing executive responsibilities. A new chairman has not been appointed at this time, Kimberley Oil said.

Health problems have forced Mermaid Marine chief executive Mark Bradley to step aside with chief operating officer Jeff Weber taking over the top job. Mr Bradley will remain a non-executive director and oversee construction contracts, chairman Alan Birchmore said.