Karen Davis from ConocoPhillips is to take on the position of managing director of charterers’ body the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) from December.
Davis will head OCIMF on a three-year secondment.
She takes over from Rob Drysdale who has been seconded to the body from ExxonMobil.
Davis joins OCIMF from Qatargas Operating Co where she has been on secondment since 2019. She is currently working as a senior advisor for Qatar's North Field Expansion project and is a member of the Marine Risk Quality and Projects team.
OCIMF said that in this current secondment Davis has been "dedicated to improving the level of marine safety success by promoting best operating practices and working with internal teams and vessel operators.
"No stranger to OCIMF, Davis served on the organisation’s Executive Committee from 2016 to 2019," the body said.
Master mariner
Davis has a seafaring background.
She graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1986 with degree in Marine Transportation and a United States Coast Guard unlimited tonnage licence. She is also a member of the Green Award Foundation’s Board of Experts.
She spent 15 years at sea, starting as third mate and moving up to master serving on crude and clean tankers with Arco Marine and ConocoPhillips Polar Tankers.
Davis came ashore in 2001 with ConocoPhillips holding positions including operations compliance director, marine superintendent and director of operations before becoming manager of global marine assurance – gaining experience in downstream and upstream businesses.
Speaking about her appointment Davis said: “I am delighted to be seconded to OCIMF at such an important time, as the energy industry adapts to a new post-Covid normal and increasing safety and environmental regulations. I look forward to working with the Secretariat and supporting our membership, as we to strive to make our industry safer at sea and in port.”
He said: "Karen is a highly respected colleague, with her 15-year career at sea, extensive business and technical understanding of the energy industry providing stewardship to OCIMF and its membership at this time of great change for the marine industry."
Drysdale wished Davis "every success" in her new role and thanked OCIMF for all its support during his tenure.
