RE: Cope20 Mar 2026 09:44
James Nicholas Smith
Role: Independent Non-Executive Chairman
Background: Appointed in August 2021, Smith is a veteran of the oil and gas industry with over 30 years of experience. He previously held senior executive positions at Chevron Corporation, PanOcean Energy, and Orca Exploration.
Primary Responsibility: His main role is to lead the Board, ensuring sound corporate governance and a sustainable corporate culture. He also provides strategic guidance to the CEO, Lorna Blaisse, particularly regarding the company's large-scale drilling campaigns in Tanzania and the USA.
Nigel Andrew Friend
Role: Independent Non-Executive Director
Background: Appointed in March 2022, Friend also brings over 35 years of experience in the energy sector. He is the former CEO and CFO of Orca Energy, where he focused heavily on company growth and cash generation.
Primary Responsibility: * Remuneration Committee: He serves as the Chair of the Remuneration Committee, where he oversees the pay and incentive structures for the company's executive directors.
Shareholder Relations: Along with other independent directors, he acts as a point of contact for shareholders who may have concerns that cannot be addressed through normal executive channels.