Baraka's Shane Doherty resigns, de Vietri takes chair

West Perth-based oil and gas exploration company Baraka Petroleum has appointed its managing director Max de Vietri as chairman of the company following the retirement of Shane Doherty on Tuesday.

The full text of a company announcement is pasted below

The Board of Baraka Petroleum Limited (ASX: BKP) announces the retirement of Mr Shane Doherty as Chairman and a Director of the Company.

Mr Doherty, a director since incorporation and the Company's founding Chairman retired from the Company with effect from 24 April 2007. The Board expressed, on behalf of all Shareholders, its appreciation of the contribution made by Mr Doherty during the past
two years.

The Board has appointed Mr Max de Vietri Chairman of the Company in an executive capacity. Mr de Vietri has stepped down from the position of Managing Director and CEO and will focus on the Company's international and Country relationships.

Dr Mark Fenton, the Company's General Manager, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer in recognition of his broadening operational responsibilities.