Appointment of Non-Executive Director

SOCO International plc

("SOCO" or the "Company")

DIRECTORATE CHANGE

Appointment of Non-Executive Director

SOCO is pleased to announce that Rob Gray has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect. Mr Gray will serve as the Senior Independent Director and a member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees.

Rob Gray was a co-founder of RegEnersys, a natural resources investment entity and is currently the principal of ReVysion LLP a financial advisory business in the natural resources sector. Rob has been an advisor to the natural resources sector for more than 30 years , including thirteen years at Deutsche Bank where he was latterly a Senior Advisor having been Chairman of UK Investment Banking for five years and formerly Global Head of Natural Resources. Rob was previously a Director and Head of the Natural Resources Group at Robert Fleming & Co. Ltd for four years, a group which he established. Between 2000 and 2010, Rob was an Advisory Board Member for Heerema Marine Contractors, a substantial private oilfield services company involved in the construction, transportation, installation and removal of oil and gas facilities globally.

In 1987, with Martin Lovegrove, Rob helped to establish James Capel & Co. Petroleum Services, a successful advisory and M&A practice which was subsequently acquired by Kleinwort Benson. Mr Gray also served as an adviser to the senior UK management of Agip/ENI in the run-up to privatisation. Rob graduated from Cambridge University in 1976 and qualified as a solicitor in 1981 at Allen & Overy. Rob is also one of a number of industry advisers to Bluewater Energy, a substantial and recently established natural resources fund.

Mr Gray does not currently hold any SOCO International plc shares. The Company confirms that there are no additional matters requiring disclosure under Rule 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.

Ed Story, SOCO's Chief Executive, commented:

"The skills and experience Rob brings compliments, expands and strengthens the Board's range of skills, knowledge and experience. I am delighted to welcome him to the Company."

ENQUIRIES:

SOCO International plcRoger Cagle, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial OfficerTel: 020 7747 2000

Bell Pottinger PelhamRollo Crichton-StuartElizabeth SnowTel: 020 7861 3232