Tullow Oil plc has announced the appointment of Ian Perks as its new Chief Executive Officer, with effect from September 15, 2025. The move signals a new chapter for the Africa-focused independent energy company as it looks to strengthen its financial position and expand growth opportunities across the continent.
Perks, a veteran of the global upstream oil and gas industry with more than three decades of experience, will also join the company’s board upon assuming office. Richard Miller, who has been serving as Interim CEO since earlier this year, will return to his substantive role as Chief Financial Officer.
Phuthuma Nhleko, Chairman of Tullow Oil, welcomed the appointment, praising Perks’ proven leadership in managing large-scale projects and engaging with governments in resource-rich regions.
“I am delighted to welcome Ian to Tullow as CEO. He brings a wealth of industry and African knowledge and experience and has a track record of successfully managing large multi-stakeholder businesses and projects.”
Phuthuma Nhleko, Chairman of Tullow Oil
He also extended his gratitude to Miller for his stewardship during the interim period.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard Miller for stepping into the role of Interim CEO and congratulate him on the considerable progress made during that time. I look forward to working with Ian and Richard.”
Phuthuma Nhleko, Chairman of Tullow Oil
A Career Defined by Transformational Projects
Ian Perks’ career spans senior positions at BG Group, Anadarko, and Total, where he led high-value projects and built reputations for efficiency and profitability.
Most notably, as Senior Vice President for Mozambique Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at Anadarko and later at Total, he spearheaded engagement with the Government of Mozambique, securing a Final Investment Decision for the landmark $20 billion LNG project.
Prior to his role in Mozambique, Perks was central to BG Group’s global growth. He oversaw the $10 billion Queensland Gas Company LNG Project in Australia, delivering it safely, on schedule, and within budget, a rare feat in the industry for such a large-scale undertaking.
As President of BG Tunisia, he oversaw the delivery of the $1 billion Hasdrubal gas project while also driving industry-leading safety standards, cost reductions, and increased production.
His earlier leadership in Trinidad and Tobago contributed to doubling BG’s profits between 2002 and 2005.
With this breadth of experience, Perks has built a reputation as a leader who can balance stakeholder engagement with operational discipline.
Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Loughborough University, he brings a strategic outlook grounded in financial acumen and operational delivery.
Setting Priorities for Tullow’s Future
In his first public remarks as CEO-designate, Perks emphasized his commitment to stabilizing Tullow’s financial footing while positioning the company for growth across Africa.
“I am pleased to join Tullow at this pivotal time for the Company.
“My near-term priority will be to work with Richard, the Tullow team, and our stakeholders to put the Company on a long-term sustainable financial footing.”
Ian Perks as its new Chief Executive Officer
Perks underscored that once stability is achieved, the company will look to leverage its strong asset base and reputation in Africa to expand.
The leadership change comes as Tullow navigates a challenging energy landscape marked by fluctuating oil prices, growing investor scrutiny on sustainability, and the need for disciplined capital management.
The company has long positioned itself as a key player in Africa’s energy sector, with operations in Ghana, Kenya, and other parts of the continent forming the backbone of its portfolio.
Perks’ appointment signals Tullow’s intent to balance operational stability with growth ambitions. His proven ability to manage relationships with governments, communities, and international investors is seen as crucial to the company’s next phase.
For shareholders and stakeholders alike, the immediate focus will be on how Perks addresses debt management, strengthens production reliability, and steers Tullow through the complexities of Africa’s energy transition.
As Perks prepares to take over in September, both the company’s board and its employees will be looking to him to restore confidence and chart a sustainable path forward.
For Tullow, which has endured leadership changes and financial pressures in recent years, the appointment represents not just a new CEO, but the promise of renewed focus and growth.
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