Nick Walker has been named COO of Africa Oil effective Sept. 10, the company announced.

His responsibilities will include overseeing all worldwide operating activities as well as working with partners on development planning associated with the company’s recent discovery in Kenya and any future discoveries made in Ethiopia, Kenya, or Somalia. Walker has 27 years of industry experience, including 17 years with Talisman Energy Inc. where he served as executive vice president of international operations west as well as country manager positions in the UK and Malaysia/Vietnam.

Walker started his career as a petroleum engineer with BP and worked in senior management positions at Bow Valley Energy Inc.

Jim Phillips will continue to be the company’s key government liaison, based in Addis Ababa, and will take on the additional responsibilities of vice president of business development seeking new growth opportunities for the company.