UKTI Appoints BP Chief to Head up new Defence & Security Organisation

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the Government’s international business development organisation, has today announced the appointment of Richard Paniguian CBE as Head of its new Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO).

Currently BP’s Group Vice President for Russia, Caspian, Middle East and Africa, Paniguian is a senior BP executive of long standing who has worked extensively across the globe in highly sensitive roles. He brings a very detailed international industry background with an impressive Government interface. As Head of UKTI DSO he will lead a dedicated UKTI group of military and civilian staff in delivering targeted Government support and expertise to the UK’s defence and security sectors. He will take up his post in August.

Commenting on his appointment Paniguian said:

 “The UK is home to world class defence companies, while our expertise in the security sector is increasingly being recognised and applauded on the global stage. UKTI DSO marks an exciting new venture for me and I look forward to working in this dynamic field.”

Andrew Cahn, UKTI CEO, said:

 “I am delighted to appoint Richard to this important role. He brings international business experience of the highest quality; proven success across range of strategic, policy and commercial issues; and a strong track record in delivering business transformation. He will be an asset to the new UKTI DSO and help drive forward our support for these important and growing sectors of our economy.”

Lord Digby Jones, Minister for Trade and Investment, said:

“UK defence equipment manufacturing is vital to this country's economic and geopolitical interests. In 2006 the sector won new export orders worth £5.5 billion. Government has a crucial role to play in that success and under Richard’s leadership the newly formed UKTI DSO will help take it to the next level.”

UKTI DSO was formed on 1st April 2008, when responsibility for defence trade promotion transferred from the Ministry of Defence to UKTI. The new group brings together trade development support across the defence and civil sectors under the umbrella of UKTI.

In his current role Paniguian is responsible for developing and delivering BP’s growth strategy in the important regions of Russia, the Caspian, the Middle East and Africa. He has been involved in projects as significant as the Baku Tbilisi Ceyhan pipeline, new gas exploration in Libya, Egypt and Oman, and the company’s first oil project in Angola.

Paniguian joined BP in 1971 as a graduate trainee. Over a successful career with the company he has held the positions of Head of Gas Development Middle East & Africa (1999-2001), Chief Executive BP Shipping (1996-1999) and Director of BP Europe (1993-1995).

In 2007 he was appointed CBE for services to business.  Between 2002 and 2007 he was Chairman of the Egyptian British Business Council and is a former President of UK Chamber of Shipping (2001-2).

Educated at Durham University and Westminster School, he is married with two step sons.