Sam Laidlaw

London, UK

Executive Chairman

Neptune Energy

Biography

As Chairman of Neptune Energy, Sam Laidlaw has significant international experience in the energy sector. Neptune Energy Group was launched in June 2015 with the ambitious goal of building a leading independent oil and gas platform with material scale and strong operating capabilities.

Formerly, Sam was CEO of Centrica - Britain’s largest energy provider, where he rebuilt the company to increase efficiency and competitiveness. Other previous roles include Executive Vice President of Chevron Corporation; Non-Executive Director of Hanson PLC; Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Oil plc; and President and Chief Operating Officer of Amerada Hess Corporation.

A qualified solicitor, with an INSEAD MBA in Business Administration, Sam holds a number of Non-Executive roles, including Non-Executive Director of HSBC Holdings and RioTinto. He is also the Chairman of the National Centre for Universities and Business, and Chairman of the UK Council for INSEAD. Sam was also previously a member of the UK Prime Minister's Business Advisory Group and a Senior Director of the UK Department of Transport.

Sam Laidlaw’s Newsfeed

14 Aug 2018

The Times

Neptune steps up presence in North Sea

Neptune Energy Group, founded by the former Centrica chief executive Sam Laidlaw, plans to extend its presence in the North Sea. The privately owned company is buying stakes in licences owned by Apache Corporation of the US.

13 Aug 2018

Neptune Energy hits North Sea acquisition trail again

Neptune Energy, the fast-growing oil & gas firm chaired by former Centrica chief executive Sam Laidlaw, has struck a deal to add to its North Sea interests. The firm has agreed with US-based Apache Corporation to buy its 35% working interest in the Seagull development and a 50% working interest in the Isabella prospect.

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Sam Laidlaw’s Background

Neptune Energy

Executive Chairman

Jun 2015 - Present

London, UK

An independent oil & gas exploration and production company launched in June 2015. The Group seeks to identify large-scale investment opportunities in the North Sea, North Africa and SE Asia leveraging its strong relationship network and the current energy market dynamics. Neptune is backed by funds advised by two global alternative investment managers, The Carlyle Group and CVC Capital Partners.

Centrica

CEO and Chairman of the Executive and Disclosure Committees

2006 - 2014

London, UK

Centrica is the parent company of British Gas in the UK and Direct Energy in North America, serving over 27 million customers in these core markets.

Chevron

Executive Vice President for Global Business Development and Executive Chairman

2003 - 2006

London, UK

Sam was responsible for new business worldwide and had regional responsibility for Russia, the Middle East and North Africa.

Enterprise Oil

CEO

2001 - 2002

London, UK

During Sam's tenure, Enterprise Oil was Europe's largest independent oil and gas company. He successfully steered the company through a takeover by Shell whilst also fending off a hostile bid by ENI.

Amerada Hess Corporation

President and Chief Operating Officer

1981 - 2001

London, UK

Sam built Amerada Hess' North Sea business before running their worldwide Exploration & Production activities and becoming President and Chief Operating Officer (1995-2001).

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Other Business Interests

Rio Tinto

Non-Executive Director

Feb 2017 - Present

London, UK

A global mining group, Rio Tinto focuses on finding, mining and processing the Earth's mineral resources.

National Centre for Universities and Business

Chairman

Jun 2015 - Present

London, UK

The National Centre for Universities and Business supports, develops and promotes world-class collaboration between universities and business across the UK.