Oil Search lays off just 8 in Alaska, vs 92 or so in Sydney

Kay Cashman

Petroleum News

Oil Search Alaska spokeswoman Amy Burnett told Petroleum News March 31 that eight of the 100 or so employees being laid off were attached to the Alaska business unit. None of them were members of the Alaska leadership team.

Due to the reduction in work programs and the uncertain oil price outlook, parent Oil Search Ltd. said March 27 that it made the decision to reduce its combined headcount in Sydney and Anchorage by approximately 100 people.

Prior to the eight layoffs, Oil Search Alaska staff numbered 151.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make, particularly given current global circumstances. We have treated our team members with respect and will continue to offer them support through the hard times ahead,” said Oil Search Managing Director Dr. Keiran Wulff.

Oil Search’s board and executive team have agreed to take a 20% salary cut for the next six months.

Oil Search said in the March 27 update that it is also undertaking a systematic review to identify and implement further measures to optimize corporate and operating expenditure, focused on driving long term breakeven costs as low as possible.

“Oil Search greatly values the dedication shown by all team members across the organization during these very challenging times,” said Wulff.

As of Feb. 5, Oil Search Alaska’s leadership team included the following: Bruce Dingeman, president; Matt Elmer, chief operating officer; Joe Balash, senior vice president government affairs; Cindy Bailey, senior vice president community affairs; Patrick Flood, vice president commercial; Josef (Joe) Chmielowski, vice president exploration and new ventures; Wanda Lewis, vice president people and culture; Jonathan Boyce, senior vice president finance and project services; Bob Writt, senior vice president projects; Ryan Johnson, vice president supply chain and operations support; Lea Souliotis, senior vice president commercial, planning and strategy; Steve Robinson, senior vice president drilling and completions; James Robinson, senior vice president HSES; Mark Ireland, senior vice president subsurface; Stephanie Kreibich, IT and data management manager; Kolin Fencil, vice president operations; and Stephen Luna, senior vice president legal.

- KAY CASHMAN