The Texan company today said that 14-year Swift veteran Bruce Vincent had been appointed Swift Energy International president and Robert Banks appointed SEI vice-president (international operations).

Vincent will also retain his current responsibilities as executive vice-president (corporate development) and company secretary of Swift Energy.

Company president and chief executive officer, Terry Swift, said Banks joined SEI with over 25 years of oil and gas industry experience, most recently focused on international exploration, production and project development in more than 12 different countries, including New Zealand.

Banks' previously held management positions include time with fellow Texan firm Vanco Energy - a company that tried unsuccessfully to take control of the then marginal offshore Taranaki Kupe gas-oil field in 1999-2000.

Houston-based Banks will report directly to Vincent and act as a liaison between Swift Energy in Houston and the company's New Zealand operations.

"The appointment of Bruce as president and the addition of Bob as a vice president of our international subsidiary will provide renewed strategic leadership for our international activities, streamline management and allow us to continue to enhance the value of our assets in New Zealand," Terry Swift concluded.