John Dielwart has been named chairman of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Dielwart succeeded Jim Simpson, who resigned from the position effective Nov. 1. Simpson, who had served as president of Chevron Canada Resources since January 1999, has taken on a new role with ChevronTexaco Corp. as managing director of its Middle East/North Africa business unit.
Dielwart, who serves as president and CEO of Calgary-based ARC Resources Ltd., was vice-chairman of CAPP before being named chairman. He will hold the position until CAPP's annual general meeting in April 2004.
Separately, John Richels, president and CEO of Devon Canada Corp., will assume the role of CAPP vice-chairman and will take over as chairman in 2004.
Other moves
John W. McDonald was named vice-president, strategic planning, of ChevronTexaco Corp. effective Nov. 1. McDonald succeeded Pat Yarrington, who was recently named vice-president, public and government affairs.
Most recently, McDonald served as managing director of the European business unit of ChevronTexaco Overseas Petroleum Inc. During 1996-98, he served as vice-president, exploration and production, offshore division.
Before that, McDonald served as assistant division manager, exploration and production, onshore division. He was assigned to the firm's executive offices as assistant to the chairman during 1992-94. During 1991-92, he worked as a strategic advisor in the company's strategic planning group. McDonald joined ChevronTexaco in 1975.
Kenneth F. Currie has been appointed CEO and chairman of Merichem Co. Currie succeeded John T. Files, founder and long-time chairman of Houston-based Merichem.
Currie served as the CEO of Merisol GP LLC, a 50/50 joint venture of Merichem and Sasol Holdings/Sasol Chemical Industries of South Africa, since its formation in 1997. He continues to serve on Merisol's board. Currie started his career with Merichem in 1979 as a sales representative for soda chemicals. He then rose to the level of vice-president.
