CALGARY -- Encana Corp. has hired a former senior BP executive with experience around the world as its new chief executive, following a months-long search.

Canada's largest natural gas producer has appointed Doug Suttles, a 30-year veteran of the industry who most recently was chief operating officer at BP Exploration and Production.

Among other things, Suttles helped lead the clean-up of BP's Gulf of Mexico spill in the summer of 2010. BP confirmed in January 2011 that Suttles was retiring after 22 years with the company.

Encana had said previously that its global search for a replacement for Randy Eresman, who left abruptly in January, had resulted in 150 applicants including several internal candidates.

"After an extensive global search, Doug stood out as the ideal candidate to lead Encana into its next phase of growth and development," Encana acting CEO Clayton Woitas said in a statement Tuesday.

"The board is pleased he has chosen to take on the role of president and CEO given his strategic leadership capabilities, demonstrated communications skills, and track-record of building strong organizations of similar size and scope."

The company has scheduled a conference call to introduce Suttles.

Suttles will also join the board as a director, while Woitas has been designated as the board's future chairman, replacing David O'Brien.

Woitas said in April after Encana's annual meeting that there were three internal candidates for the top executive job, including chief financial officer Sherri Brillon.

The company said at the time that it expected little of its 2013 production to come from early-stage developments and said that it has targeted between $100 million and $150 million in annual cost reductions in the next few years.

"I am excited to take the helm of one of North America's leading energy producers," Suttles said in the announcement.

"Over the coming months, I look forward to working with the entire organization as we shape a strategy and plan that will grow shareholder value and unlock Encana's full potential."

The company said Suttles trained as a mechanical engineer at the University of Texas in Austin where he graduated in 1983.

From 1983 to 1988 he had assignments at Exxon before joining BP.

His positions at the British oil giant included vice-president for North Sea operations, and has been, among other things, president of BP Sakhalin Inc. in Russia and president of BP Alaska.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

CALGARY -- Encana Corp. (TSX:ECA) has hired a former senior BP executive with experience around the world as its new chief executive, following a months-long search.

Canada's largest natural gas producer has appointed Doug Suttles, a 30-year veteran of the industry who most recently was chief operating officer at BP Exploration and Production.

Among other things, Suttles helped lead the clean-up of BP's Gulf of Mexico spill in the summer of 2010. BP confirmed in January 2011 that Suttles was retiring after 22 years with the company.

Encana had said previously that its global search for a replacement for Randy Eresman, who left abruptly in January, had resulted in 150 applicants including several internal candidates.

"After an extensive global search, Doug stood out as the ideal candidate to lead Encana into its next phase of growth and development," Encana acting CEO Clayton Woitas said in a statement Tuesday.

"The board is pleased he has chosen to take on the role of president and CEO given his strategic leadership capabilities, demonstrated communications skills, and track-record of building strong organizations of similar size and scope."

The company has scheduled a conference call to introduce Suttles.

Suttles will also join the board as a director, while Woitas has been designated as the board's future chairman, replacing David O'Brien.

Woitas said in April after Encana's annual meeting that there were three internal candidates for the top executive job, including chief financial officer Sherri Brillon.

The company said at the time that it expected little of its 2013 production to come from early-stage developments and said that it has targeted between $100 million and $150 million in annual cost reductions in the next few years.

"I am excited to take the helm of one of North America's leading energy producers," Suttles said in the announcement.

"Over the coming months, I look forward to working with the entire organization as we shape a strategy and plan that will grow shareholder value and unlock Encana's full potential."

The company said Suttles trained as a mechanical engineer at the University of Texas in Austin where he graduated in 1983.

From 1983 to 1988 he had assignments at Exxon before joining BP.

His positions at the British oil giant included vice-president for North Sea operations, and has been, among other things, president of BP Sakhalin Inc. in Russia and president of BP Alaska.