Utekov is replacing Sorin Graure who was appointed director of the program aimed at increasing the operational efficiency of refineries Petromidia Navodari and Vega Ploiesti. Graure had run Rompetrol Rafinare between November 22, 2012 and June 11, 2014.
So far, Utekov has simultaneously held the positions of deputy general manager of Rompetrol Rafinare (since December 24, 2012) and of general manager of Rompetrol Petrochemicals SRL – which is entirely held by Rompetrol Rafinare (since November 13, 2013), the refining company said in a statement.
Before joining the Rompetrol group, Utekov had gained more than ten years of experience in the oil and gas industry within large companies in Kazakhstan, such as Agip KCO and the refinery in Atyrau, part of KazMunayGas – the state-run compania națională de petrol și gaze din Kazakhstan.
Rompetrol Rafinare planned investments of more than $35 million in 2014.
Rompetrol Rafinare’s main shareholders are KMG International, in turn owned by Kazakh state-run oil company KazMunayGas, and the Romanian government.