Helge Lund, 51, who helmed Norway’s state-owned Statoil ASA for a decade, will take over BG Group plc in March. BG, UK’s third largest producer, was led by more than a 10 years by Frank Chapman until he retired in 2012 (see Daily GPI, Dec. 14, 2012). Chapman’s successor Chris Finlayson left in March. “Helge is ideally suited to lead BG Group in the next phase of its growth,” said BG Chairman Andrew Gould. “Helge’s track record speaks for itself. He has built a world-class exploration and production portfolio at Statoil.” BG is one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas traders, and is involved in export projects on the U.S. Gulf Coast and in British Columbia (see Daily GPI, April 4; March 26). BG also has U.S. onshore holdings, including in the gassy Haynesville Shale (see Daily GPI, June 17). Statoil marketing chief Eldar Saetre was appointed interim CEO following Lund’s departure.

Apache Corp. CFO Alfonso Leon, 38, who was appointed in February, has resigned to “pursue other opportunities.” His departure “is not related to any issues regarding financial disclosures, accounting or legal matters,” said the company. Executive Vice President P. Anthony Lannie is to serve as interim CFO while a search is conducted. Lannie joined Apache as general counsel in 2003 and previously was president of Kinder Morgan Power Co. Before his appointment as CFO, Leon had served as chief of staff and previously was vice president of planning and strategy.