Aker Energy has named Svein Jakob Liknes acting Chief Executive Officer following the decision by Jan Arve Haugan to resign from the company.

“Aker Energy continues the effort to optimize and safeguard the Pecan project in close collaboration with Ghanaian authorities. As Aker Energy is preparing for the next phase with PDO approval followed by project execution as the main tasks, Jan Arve Haugan is stepping down and Svein Jakob Liknes has been named acting CEO.”

“Svein Jakob Liknes has extensive experience both from projects and operations and he has worked closely on the Pecan PDO process, making him the right fit to lead Aker Energy,” President and Chief Executive Officer at Aker ASA, Øyvind Eriksen said.

He added, “I want to thank Jan Arve Haugan for his leadership and relentless work in building a complete exploration and field development organization in Aker Energy. At the same time, we appreciate the opportunity to maintain our strong and long-lasting collaboration with Jan Arve Haugan in his capacity as board member in Kværner as well as in existing and new projects.

Svein Jakob Liknes has served as Aker Energy’s Head of Operations, overseeing the company’s current Plan of Development and Operations (PDO) process.

Prior to joining Aker Energy, Liknes held the position as SVP Operations & Asset Development in Aker BP. The appointment to acting CEO is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.