Cole will take over after serving as vice-chairman of the board for two years.

He will be joined by Apache Energy’s Warren Ford as vice-chairman.

The APPEA board will now comprise Rob Cole, Warren Ford, Robin Antrobus (ConocoPhillips), Peter Cleary (Santos), Ernie Delfos (eni Australia), Gerry Flaherty (Chevron), Philip Home (BP Developments), Seiya Ito (Inpex), Bruce Lacke (Vermilion Oil and Gas), Todd Lee (BHP Billiton), Grant King (Origin Energy), Richard Owen (ExxonMobil Affiliates), Peter Robinson (Shell Development), Mike Sangster (Total E&P), Peter Stickland (MEO Australia) and Eric Streitberg (Buru Energy).

Knox took the opportunity at the company’s annual general meeting in Perth last night to farewell Bill Tinapple.

Tinapple has resigned as executive director of the petroleum division at the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum.

Knox thanked Tinapple for his service to the industry.

“As head of the DMP’s Petroleum Division, Bill has been responsible for managing the evolution of WA’s regulatory regime, responding to emerging environmental, social and technical challenges while also ensuring the state’s energy security needs,” he said.

“Bill has also had to balance this with the industry’s desire for efficient and effective regulation.

“It’s a demanding job that he has done well, drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience, and showing great leadership and integrity.”