Buru Energy bolsters growth strategy with new board appointments

Buru Energy Limited (ASX:BRU) (OTCMKTS:BRNGF) (FRA:BUD) has appointed three independent non-executive directors to the board, effective today. The appointments of Ms Joanne Kendrick, Mr Malcolm King and Ms Samantha Tough will strengthen the company’s board at a critical time in Buru’s growth and coincides with the pending retirement of Ms Eve Howell, a long-serving non-executive director. The three new directors bring very strong skill sets to the board, including high-level technical skills, as well as deep experience in finance, project development, renewable energy and the transition to an integrated energy future. These skill sets complement and enhance the current board capabilities as the company embarks on one of the most significant growth phases in its recent history. Subsequent to the retirement of Ms Howell on March 31, Buru’s board will comprise: Mr Eric Streitberg - Executive Chairman Ms Joanne Kendrick - Independent Non-Executive Director Mr Malcolm King - Independent Non-Executive Director Ms Samantha Tough - Independent Non-Executive Director Mr Robert Willes - Independent Non-Executive Director Next phase of growth Buru executive chairman Eric Streitberg said: “I am delighted that such highly experienced and strategically focused Directors have agreed to join the Buru Board to help guide the Company through the next phase of its growth, starting with the very exciting 2021 exploration drilling program. “Our asset base provides a strong platform for Buru’s participation in the evolving integrated energy economy and I look forward to working with the expanded Board to ensure the Company takes full advantage of the opportunities before us. “I would like to especially thank Eve for her wise counsel and support over many years, and the benefit of her deep knowledge of the industry that she unstintingly brought to the Board. “On behalf of the Board and everyone at Buru, I wish her well on her retirement.” Directors particulars Joanne Kendrick Joanne is an experienced industry professional with more than 25 years’ experience in technical and executive roles with Woodside Petroleum, Newfield Exploration, Gulf Canada, Clyde Petroleum and Nido Petroleum. Joanne has been directly responsible for managing production operations, exploration drilling and development projects, capital raisings, asset transactions and joint venture interests throughout her career; including as Deputy Managing Director at ASX-listed Nido Petroleum for seven years. She is currently the Managing Director of Blue Star Helium (ASX: BNL), a Perth-based helium exploration and development company focused on activities in North America. Joanne is a Petroleum/Reservoir Engineer holding a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from the University of Adelaide and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Malcolm King Malcolm has 35 years of upstream oil and gas experience, mostly with Shell in technical, commercial and leadership roles across Asia and Australia. His Shell experience spans the Exploration & Production and Gas & Power businesses, participating in and leading exploration and M&A campaigns, and working extensively in LNG operations, business development and market development. More recently Malcolm led Senex Energy’s commercial and business development functions for the Cooper Basin oil and Queensland coal seam gas businesses. He currently provides consulting services to the energy industry and is an independent director on the board of Triangle Energy (Global) Ltd (ASX: TEG). Malcolm has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Geology) degree from the University of Southern Queensland and a Master of Science (Petroleum Geology) from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Samantha Tough Samantha has extensive experience across the energy and resources sectors and held senior executive roles at Woodside Petroleum, Hardman Resources and the Commonwealth Bank. She is a director of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and COAG National Energy Selection Panel. She is the Pro Vice Chancellor of Engagement at the University of Western Australia and Chair of Horizon Power. She has detailed knowledge of regional Western Australia and has served on the boards of several businesses and non-government organisations. Samantha brings to Buru a broad understanding of the oil and gas industry and a strong contribution to Buru’s ability to access the wider opportunities in the energy sector. Samantha completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Jurisprudence at the University of Western Australia and worked as a barrister and solicitor before progressing to the commercial sector.