U.K.-based Sound Energy, which operates in Europe and Africa, said Aug. 24 that it appointed Brian Mitchener as executive vice president of exploration, and made other appointments as part of executive changes aimed at strengthening technical leadership.

The appointments follow the recent gas discovery at Tendrara onshore Morocco.

Mitchener, based in the U.K., was previously regional general manager of exploration at BG Group Plc. He has more than 35 years’ experience, having worked at BG, Statoil ASA (NYSE: STO) and BP Plc (NYSE: BP).

Leonardo Spicci, previously Sound Energy's managing director for Italy, will become executive vice president of development/production, and will be based in the U.K.

Leonardo Salvadori, previously Sound Energy's business development director, will become the new managing director for Italy, and will be based in Milan.

Luca Madeddu, the managing director for Morocco; Mary Hood, the executive vice president of finance and the CFO; and Fred Lacuha, the general counsel, all remain in their current roles.

The executive team is led by CEO James Parsons.

Sound Energy also said it plans to appoint a vice president of business development.