Australia-listed company Oil Search has hired a new chief financial officer, with Stephen Gardiner stepping down after eight years in the role.

Oil Search revealed Thursday it had hired Peter Fredricson, who will take over from Gardiner as chief financial officer on 23 March.

Fredricson makes the move from APA Group, having served as the Australian energy infrastructure company’s chief financial officer for the past 11 years.

His time at APA Group saw him take responsibility for raising A$17 billion (US$13.2 billion) in international bond and syndicated debt markets and more than A$5 billion in equity markets to support the company’s growth strategy.

Overall, he has 30 years of experience in the infrastructure, financial services, investment, and merchant banking sectors across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Prior to joining APA Group he was the chief financial officer of New Zealand infrastructure company Vector and has also held senior financial roles with Grant Samuel and Merrill Lynch.

In welcoming Fredricson to the role, Oil Search managing director Keiran Wulff said: “His deep experience in finance, equity and debt capital markets and the financial services sector generally will be valuable to Oil Search as the company focuses on delivering its strategic objectives and strengthening its balance sheet.

“Peter will also play a key role in securing project financing and executing funding plans for our growth projects in Alaska and Papua New Guinea, as well as building long term human and financial capability to support the Company’s strategic requirements.”

Gardiner will continue his 17-year association with Oil Search, remaining on as an adviser to Wulff, while also assisting with the handover of his former role on a transitional basis.

Finance

Oil Search appoints new chief financial officer