ArneSigve Nylundwill take up the Stevanger-based role from 1 January next year,replacing OysteinMichelsen who has been appointedcountry manager in Tanzania.

"ArneSigve Nylund is an experienced leader from both upstream anddownstream operations in Statoil,” Statoil chief executive HelgeLund said.

“Hisdeep understanding of both the onshore and offshore parts of Statoilmakes him a very strong fit for the challenging position as head ofDPN.”

Nylund