Essar Oil UK appoints Mark Wilson as Chief Executive Officer

Essar Oil UK today confirmed the appointment of Mark Wilson as Chief Executive Officer.  He will be based at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex and succeed S. Thangapandian, who informed the Board of his intention to return to India after almost three years in the UK.

Picture of Mark Wilson, Essar Oil UK CEO

Mark Wilson has international experience at the highest levels in both the downstream and petrochemical industries.  During his time at BP p.l.c. he held a number of senior leadership positions, including: Chief Executive Officer, Global Acetyls (Shanghai, China); President, Asia Aromatics and China Olefins & Derivatives (Shanghai);  Chief of Staff, Downstream (London) and Deputy General Manager, SECCO Ltd (Shanghai).   He previously worked for Innovene LLC as Vice President, Solutions BU (Brussels, Belgium).  Mark has a First Class Honours Degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Southampton and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Prashant Ruia, Non-Executive Chairman, Essar Oil UK said:  “Mark has successfully led major international businesses and I am delighted that he is joining us as our new Chief Executive Officer.  Our UK operations remain central to the Essar Group’s strategic plans and we will continue to invest to further our growth ambitions here.  We enter a new decade determined to transform the business to ensure its long term sustainability and Mark’s vision and leadership will be critical in meeting that challenge.”

He added:  “I would also like to thank Thanga for everything that has been achieved during his time at Stanlow and wish him all the best for the future.”

Mark Wilson commented:  “I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the Essar Oil UK business in the next stage of its development.  The company has adapted extremely well to a fast changing market since taking over the Stanlow Refinery in 2011.  I am looking forward to leading the highly capable team in the next stage of the company’s development to ensure that we secure our future as a key supplier of the energy and petrochemicals products the UK needs.”

S. Thangapandian, Chief Executive Officer, Essar Oil UK, added:  “I have very much valued my time in the UK and have been fortunate to work with many talented and dedicated colleagues.  The company is at a key point in its development, with exciting plans over the next five years to build a robust and futuristic business.  Mark has the qualities necessary to do an outstanding job leading the team forward, and I wish him every success in his new role.”