Rango Energy, Inc. has reported the appointment of Robert R. (Bob) Harrell, the company's current CEO, as Chairman of the Board.
In addition, the Company today announced the addition of oil and gas veteran, Dr. Tom O'Brien, to its technical advisory board.
The appointment of Mr. Harrell as Chairman paves the way for Rango to begin the process of building a world-class, independent board of directors with broad experience and expertise in oil and gas exploration, production and finance. The Company expects to have its independent board members in place by the end of 2014. Current Chairman, Harp Sangha, will remain on the board as Executive Vice-Chairman.
Mr. Harrell commented, "Rango is in the unique position of being an early stage oil and gas company, partnered with INNEX Energy, with a vast portfolio of established oil and gas reserves. Building a first rate board of directors is an integral part of our strategy to shape the Company in a way that will enhance its public profile, maximize shareholder value and allow Rango to up-list to a major exchange as soon as possible. We are focused on bringing additional outside board members who can help us achieve our goals. I am very excited to take on the role of chairman and look forward to working with my team at Rango to capitalize on the major opportunity this company has been presented with."
The Company has also added Dr. Tom O'Brien, the current Vice-President of Geoscience for INNEX Energy, to its technical advisory board. After graduating with a degree in Geology from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from Cornell, Dr. O'Brien joined Atlantic Richfield in Alaska. During his 17-year career with ARCO, he provided leadership in roles as exploration geologist, research director, and exploration manager participating in major lease sales and managing numerous multi-million dollar projects in Alaska and internationally. His last position was in ARCO Corporate as a strategic advisor to executive management on exploration opportunities and project directives. In each capacity, Dr. O'Brien set high standards for applied technology, team building and innovative problem solving.
Dr. O'Brien has also played a key role in the development of INNEX's Eel River project which continues to be an important asset in the Rango/Innex portfolio. Tom has served as both exploration prospect generator and program director for overseas operating companies, including projects in India and Russia.
Harrell added, "We are thrilled to have Tom join our team of technical advisors. Tom, through his management experience at ARCO, brings strategic exploration knowledge of large joint ventures with major companies. This will be instrumental in Rango maximizing value in the existing INNEX joint ventures with majors, and the additional joint ventures we expect to secure."