GDF SUEZ, one of the world's leading energy providers has underlined its long-term commitment to the North Sea by investing £6m in establishing its UK Exploration and Production (E&P) operational centre in Aberdeen.

Securing a 10 year lease at a new high-profile office in the city's Union Plaza development, the energy firm has also appointed Aberdeen industry stalwart, Rob Buchan as UK E&P operations manager and general manager of the company's UK E&P operational centre in the city.

Europe's third largest energy company and the world's number one independent power producer, GDF SUEZ is active across the entire energy value chain, in electricity and natural gas, upstream and downstream sectors. Headquartered in Paris with offices globally, the GDF SUEZ group focuses on energy, energy services and environmental services.

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In his new role as UK E&P operations manager, Rob Buchan is responsible for all of the company's E&P operational activity in the UK North Sea including asset management, drilling and production operations, subsea, development and procurement activity. He is also tasked with helping manage stakeholder engagement in the UKCS and further developing the business through organic growth and acquisition.

The move into Aberdeen means the company will be bringing up to 80 new jobs to the city.

Rob Buchan said: "This is a major move for the company but at the same time, a logical one. The North Sea is a key growth region for GDF SUEZ UK E&P Ltd with our offshore interests spanning more than 35 exploration and development blocks across the West of Shetland, Central and Southern North Sea basins.

"We operate 15 of these 35 blocks, two of which include the Cygnus and Juliet fields which are significant North Sea discoveries. With these fields now approaching development approval, we are positioning ourselves to harness opportunities in the North Sea energy market."

The headquarters for the company's UK E&P division will remain in London.

Rene Montaz, managing director of GDF SUEZ UK E&P Ltd reinforced the importance of the decision to move into Aberdeen by the UK affiliate. He said:"Aberdeen is viewed as the oil and gas capital of Europe and it's important for our UK North Sea operations team to be located there to support our ambitions for industry integration and meet the procurement and technical demands of operational activity."

The GDF SUEZ Group employs 200,000 people worldwide and achieved revenues of £71.9 bn (€83.1 billion) in 2008.

(GK/JM)