Aker strengthens oil and gas team (12.09.2008)

Aker ASA has appointed Raymond Carlsen to explore opportunities to provide combined products and services in the oil and gas sector. Mr Carlsen was previously executive vice president in Aker Solutions.

Aker is investing significantly in the energy sector to build on its position as the industry’s preferred partner. Through the various Aker companies, Aker is involved in the whole value chain – from exploration to decommissioning of oil and gas fields.

“We receive a rising number of requests for more complex service deliveries. Mr Carlsen, with his experience and contacts in the industry, will be play an important part in positioning the Aker companies to take advantage of the opportunities,” says Leif-Arne Langøy, chairman and chief executive of Aker ASA.

Mr Carlsen will on October 1 join Aker ASA as a partner. He will report to Martinus Brandal, senior partner and executive vice president in Aker. Mr Brandal is also chairman of several Aker-companies, including Aker Solutions.

”Raymond Carlsen’s appointment was a natural step to take after Aker Solutions decided to reorganise its business areas,” says Mr Brandal.

Mr Carlsen, who is a graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology and has more than 25 years of industry experience, has led the Subsea business area since 2002. The following year, he was appointed executive vice president and joined the executive management team.

”I am pleased that Mr Carlsen has chosen to continue his career with Aker. I have worked closely with him for several years and I have seen the value of his knowledge and enthusiasm,” says Mr Brandal.

Mr Brandal says Mr Carlsen played a key role in positioning Aker for the Indian energy company Reliance Industries’ MA-D6 project, which is one of the biggest projects in which Aker companies have combined to provide the entire development of the deep water field.

For further information, please contact: 

Geir Arne Drangeid, Executive vice president, Aker ASA, +47 24 13 00 65