Announcement on CEO Retirement

RNS Number : 9778U

Seplat Petroleum Development Co PLC

03 August 2020

 

SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PLC ("SEPLAT" OR THE "COMPANY")

AUSTIN AVURU RETIRED AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER "CEO" OF SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PLC ON JULY 31, 2020

Lagos and London - August 3, 2020: Further to the announcement made on November 18, 2019, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc ("SEPLAT" or the "Company") confirms that Mr. Austin Avuru has retired as the CEO of the Company. Mr. Avuru will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

In the interest of full transparency and corporate governance best practice, the Company provides below disclosure in accordance with section 430(2B) of the UK Companies Act 2006.  It should be noted that as a Nigerian incorporated company, the Company is not legally required to follow this legislation but wishes to do so to demonstrate good governance.

The Remuneration Committee of the Company has confirmed that Mr. Avuru will be considered a Good Leaver on his retirement, and the following arrangements will apply in respect of his remuneration:

1.  Mr. Avuru will receive a lump sum payment in lieu of notice equal to his salary, benefits, and pension allowance until November 18, 2020. In line with Nigerian market practice, certain benefits around security and travel continue to operate for an appropriate period thereafter.

2.  In respect of the 2020 financial year, he will receive a pro-rata bonus to reflect his time as CEO during the financial year, subject to achievement of performance conditions at the end of the year. Any bonus will be awarded in cash and will be paid on the normal payment date.

3. Awards made to Mr. Avuru in the form of deferred shares under the annual bonus in 2019 and 2020 will vest at the normal vesting dates.

4.    Awards made to Mr. Avuru under the LTIPs granted in 2018, 2019, and 2020 will vest at the normal vesting dates, subject to achievement of the relevant performance conditions. These awards will not be pro-rated for time.

5. Mr. Avuru will be subject to the post-employment shareholding requirement for two years in line with the Directors' Remuneration Policy.

6. The Remuneration Committee approved a loss of office payment to Mr. Avuru equal to 12 months' salary in line with Nigerian market practice.  This payment reflected the excellent leadership shown by Mr. Avuru in growing Seplat both organically and inorganically to be a listed E&P company on both the Nigerian and London international stock markets and recognized as a major player in the Nigerian and wider African hydrocarbon industry .

The above arrangements are in accordance with the provisions of the Directors' Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders of the Company at its 2018 AGM.  Full details of payments under these arrangements will be provided in the Company's Directors Remuneration Report for 2020 and subsequent years.

-  ENDS  -

For: Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc

MRS. EDITH ONWUCHEKWA

COMPANY SECRETARY/CHIEF GOVERNANCE COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Enquiries:

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc
Emeka Onwuka, Chief Financial Officer	[phone]
Chioma Nwachuku, GM External Affairs and Communications
Edith Onwuchekwa, Company Secretary/Chief Governance Compliance Officer
FTI Consulting
Ben Brewerton / Sara Powell	[phone]
	[e-mail]

Notes to editors

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc is Nigeria's leading indigenous energy company. It is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE: SEPLAT) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: SEPL).

Seplat is pursuing a Nigeria-focused growth strategy and is well positioned to participate in future asset divestments by international oil companies, farm-in opportunities, and future licensing rounds. The Company is a leading supplier of gas to the domestic power generation market. For further information please refer to the Company website,, http://seplatpetroleum.com/

 

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