Rockhopper Regulatory News (RKH)

14 January 2014

Rockhopper Exploration plc

("Rockhopper" or "the Company")

Appointment of Non-Executive Director and other Board Changes

Rockhopper Exploration plc (AIM:RKH), the North Falkland Basin oil and gas exploration company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Keith Geddes Lough, aged 54, as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with immediate effect. It is proposed that Mr Lough will become Chairman of the Company's Audit & Risk Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee in due course.

Mr Lough is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and has over 30 years of experience in the natural resources sector in both senior finance and general management roles.

Mr Lough is currently a non-executive director of the UK Gas and Electricity Markets Authority ("GEMA") which has supervisory responsibility for Ofgem.

Mr Lough is also a Non-Executive Director of geoscience specialist Rock Solid Images plc and AIM-listed Papua Mining plc.

Mr Lough was a Founder Shareholder and Chief Executive Officer of unconventional gas explorer Composite Energy Ltd until its sale to ASX listed Dart Energy Ltd in 2011 and was CEO of Hutton Energy between 2011 and 2012. Earlier in his career, Mr Lough worked for LASMO between 1987 and 1999 holding a number of senior positions in Group Finance and latterly becoming MD Europe & North Africa. He became CFO of Petrokazakhstan in 2000 before becoming Finance Director of British Energy plc between 2001 and 2004, during which time he led that company's financial restructuring negotiations.

Sam Moody, CEO, commented: "I am delighted to welcome Keith to our Board. He has a long track record in the natural resources industry and his expertise will be hugely helpful as we move Sea Lion towards development and look to renew our exploration efforts in the North Falklands Basin."

Chris Walton, Senior Independent Director who has been with the Company since 2005, will be stepping down from the Board prior to the next AGM.

Pierre Jungels, Chairman, commented: "I would like to thank Chris Walton for his significant contribution over his eight years with the Company. His input to Board deliberations and as Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee have been greatly appreciated. We wish him all the very best for the future."

The following information regarding Mr Lough's appointment is disclosed pursuant to Schedule two, paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

There is no other information required to be disclosed under Schedule two, paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

Ends