Northern Oil and Gas Inc. (NYSE MKT: NOG) said Oct. 2 that it opened a regional office in Denver and hired Darrell Finneman as executive vice president of land.

Finneman will handle land acquisitions and divestitures (A&D) and transactions in mutual interest areas with Williston Basin operators, the company added. He has more than 33 years’ experience in land acquisition, Northern Oil said. He has been regional land manager at Fidelity Exploration & Production Co., an MDU Resources Group Inc. (NYSE: MDU) subsidiary, since 2003, the company added.

Previously, he worked for 18 years at Amoco Production Co., the company noted.

Finneman, a certified professional landman with the American Association of Professional Landmen, has a master's degree from the University of Colorado, the company said.

"We are excited to be opening a Denver office and even more pleased that it will be led by Darrell Finneman," said CEO and chairman Michael Reger.

"Darrell's experience and expertise in the Williston Basin A&D market will enhance Northern's ability to identify and participate in transactions that we feel will create value for our company and our shareholders. Due to the number of active Williston Basin-based companies in the Denver area, the opening of this office will be an ideal location for Darrell to quickly contribute to the team and we are happy to welcome him to Northern," he added.

Wayzata, Minn.-based Northern Oil and Gas Inc. operates in the Williston Basin and Three Forks areas.