President Dr Wang Tao, a former Petroleum Industry Minister, and his two vice-presidents, Qiu Zhongjian and Zhang Yongyi, are among the high-profile departures. Industry analysts say that all three were forced into early retirement. Taking over the helm from Wang is his former vice-president, Zhou Yongkang. Three former presidential assistants, Ma Fucai, Huang Yan and Wu Yaowen, have been promoted to the newly vacated vice-president posts.