New CEO joins Otto Energy

Australian oil and gas company Otto Energy has appointed Michael Utsler has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Company.

Otto Energy’s former CEO, Matthew Allen, resigned from his role in June 2020 and Otto’s non-executive chairman, John Jetter, assumes the role of executive chairman during the transition period.

In an update on Monday, Otto said that Utsler started his new role on 11 September 2020.

Utsler is an oil and gas executive with more than 40 years of experience in senior international oil and gas sector roles, including 15 years in the Gulf of Mexico and 5 years as Chief Operating Officer of Woodside in Australia.

His career has encompassed senior executive, leadership and board roles with Amoco, BP, Woodside and New Fortress Energy.

According to Otto, Utsler has undertaken robust due diligence of Otto and its assets prior to joining. This has included consulting to the company over the past six weeks in preparation for his appointment.

Upon Utsler assuming his role, current Otto Executive Chairman, John Jetter, will resume the role of Non-Executive Chairman.

Otto Executive Chairman, John Jetter, said: “Having undertaken a thorough internal and external selection process, we take great pleasure in announcing that Mike Utsler will join Otto as the new CEO and Managing Director. We believe Mike to be a great fit, given his strong track record as a senior executive and his deep understanding of the US and Australian oil and gas industry.

“Throughout his career, Mike has maintained a clear focus on development and operational performance, along with the enhancement of shareholder value. In his work at Woodside and BP, Mike earned a reputation as one of the leading energy executives in the industry.

“At the outset, Mike will conduct a detailed strategic review, set a clear operational plan and assess all parts of the business, including a review of our existing asset base. He will work with the Board and executive team to continue its cost reduction process, ensuring Otto can maximise returns as oil prices recover”.

Of his appointment, Utsler said: “I am delighted to be joining the Otto team. I believe Otto has a high-quality portfolio of operating and development assets that offers substantial value upside. The company, along with its senior team, has proven itself a partner of choice within the industry and holds significant technical credibility, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico region”.