Former Nido MD joins Santos

Oil and gas producer Santos has recruited former Nido Petroleum and BHP Petroleum executive Philip Byrne, who will take over from retiring executive vice-president John Anderson.

Mr Byrne is joining the Adelaide-based company as executive vice-president, marketing and trading.

He is the latest of several former Perth-based executives to be recruited by Santos managing director Kevin Gallagher, who previously worked in Perth for Clough and Woodside Petroleum.

Mr Gallagher's recruits include Angus Jaffray from Azure Consulting and Vince Santostefano from Woodside.

Mr Anderson, who is retiring from Santos to pursue other interests, previously spent several years in Perth as head of the company’s operations in Western Australia and the NT.

Mr Gallagher paid tribute to Mr Anderson and the role he has played in the Santos turnaround story.

“I would like to recognise John’s strong contribution and commitment to the business over many years and I wish him well for the next phase of his career,” Mr Gallagher said in statement.

“John has worked diligently and passionately at a senior executive level for many years, and has most recently laid the foundations for our marketing and trading division.”

Mr Gallagher said Mr Byrne’s global experience made him a strong addition to the Santos executive committee.

“I am confident he will help us deliver on our commitment to transform, build and grow the business,” he said.

Mr Byrne had 14 years’ experience at BG Group in senior commercial and exploration roles and spent a further seven years with BHP Petroleum, including as president gas marketing Asia/Australia and president, North West Shelf Australia LNG.

He was managing director at Como-based Nido Petroleum up to March 2015, where he negotiated a takeover by Thai refining company Bangchak Petroleum.