Shell NZ chairman Lloyd Taylor yesterday announced the appointment of Zealand as STOS general manager effective from March 25.

"Paul has exceptional credentials and experience to lead STOS into the next stage of its evolution, to become the operator of choice for a multiplicity of exploration and production joint ventures," Taylor said.

Zealand is currently the Brent Area asset leader in Shell UK Expro and one of his responsibilities is improving Expro's organisational effectiveness. He has 21 years of experience with Royal Dutch Shell, having worked in the oil products, gas-LNG, and exploration and production divisions.

Beath, a Shell veteran with 25 years' experience of working in several continents, retires in April.