Viaro Energy, the independent British energy company operating across the UKCS and the Netherlands North Sea, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jillian Owen as its new chief operating officer, effective August 2025.
Jillian succeeds Alistair Buchan, who is retiring after a distinguished career and a key role in establishing Viaro’s operational capabilities.
Jillian joined Viaro in March 2025 as Head of Transition to Operatorship, where she has been leading the integration of Shell and ExxonMobil’s Southern North Sea portfolio into Viaro’s existing asset base – a milestone acquisition that marks Viaro’s evolution from a non-operating partner to a full upstream operator.
Jillian’s appointment is a natural extension of her work in this transition, as she continues to develop a fit-for-purpose organisational structure capable of incorporating a larger workforce and meeting the demands of operatorship in line with Viaro’s strategic direction.
With more than 25 years in the energy sector, Jillian brings operational expertise, commercial acumen, and a people-first approach to her new role. Her leadership will be essential in shaping Viaro into a modern, flexible and inclusive organisation, combining proven practices with a forward-looking mindset to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Previously, Jillian spent over a decade at Apache Corporation, in various roles, including UK Country Manager. Under her leadership, Apache maintained its position as a leading independent operator in the basin, with a strong focus on late-life asset optimisation and operational efficiency. She also served on the board of Offshore Energies UK, where she had a direct impact on policy development and the future of the industry.
Viaro Energy CEO Francesco Mazzagatti commented: “Jillian has already proven to be an invaluable asset during this pivotal moment for Viaro. Her seamless integration reflects both her professional calibre and our shared vision for the industry. With a clear, aligned view on the innovation and adaptability needed to position oil and gas within the sector’s long-term transformation, we are confident she is the right leader to drive the next phase of our business strategy.”
Jillian’s appointment follows the planned retirement of Alistair Buchan, whose steadfast leadership and focus on operational excellence have helped lay the foundation for Viaro’s future growth.
“Alistair’s contribution to Viaro and the UK energy sector at large cannot be overstated,” added Mazzagatti. “He has been a steady hand during a period of intense change, and Viaro would not be where it is today without his experience and guidance. We thank him sincerely for his integrity and dedication.”
Outgoing Viaro COO Alistair Buchan said: “It has been a privilege to help build Viaro’s operational foundation, and I am proud of what we have achieved. As I step away, I do so with complete confidence in Jillian’s ability to lead the company forward. This transition has been carefully planned, and operational continuity is assured.”
Commenting on her new role, Jillian Owen said: “I’m honoured to step into the role of COO at Viaro – a modern energy company that is not only growing, but redefining its approach in step with an evolving energy landscape. The traditional upstream model no longer reflects the complexities of today’s environment, and I’ve been seeking a challenge that speaks to that shift. Viaro is one of the few companies with the foresight to recognise these changing dynamics – and the strategic agility to respond and capitalise on them. It is firmly focused on delivering energy security while embracing the opportunities of the energy transition – driven by intent, and guided by a long-term vision for responsible, resilient growth.”
Jillian will continue to support the final stages of the Shell and ExxonMobil Southern North Sea portfolio transition while assuming full operational leadership of Viaro.