Offshore staff
ABERDEEN, Scotland — The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has appointed Stuart Payne the new CEO.
Payne is the current NSTA supply chain, decommissioning and HR director, and he will succeed outgoing CEO Dr. Andy Samuel, assuming responsibilities on Jan. 1, 2023.
Dr. Samuel has been CEO since the NSTA was created (as the Oil and Gas Authority) in 2015. He has successfully led the organization since its inception following the 2013 Wood Review, which recommended the creation of an independent economic regulator.
Payne joined the NSTA in 2015 and is responsible for decommissioning, leading work with the supply chain and heading the HR function. He co-chairs the industry’s Supply Chain and Exports Task Force and is a member of the Scottish Government’s Energy Transition Leadership Group.
Prior to joining the NSTA, Payne held a variety of leadership positions in the oil and gas industry, and he was awarded a CBE for services to the sector in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2020. He was appointed by the NSTA board following a competitive internal and external recruitment process.
Payne’s work will include supporting the industry on vital projects involving electrification, carbon storage, energy hubs and exploration, liaising with other organizations with interests in the North Sea and working even more closely with government and industry in light of challenging global politics.
“It has been a pleasure working for Andy who has made such a big difference in our sector and it is a great honour and privilege to take over the leadership of the NSTA," Payne said. “There are exciting times ahead, and I look forward to working with the board and talented colleagues throughout the organization, as well as government and industry to achieve our aims of helping the UK increase energy security and reach net zero.”
07.13.2022
