Ståle Tungesvik has taken over as president of Statoil’s Canadian operations. He replaces Lars Christian Bacher, who has been appointed executive vice president for Statoil’s development and production international.

As president of Statoil Canada, Tungesvik is responsible for development and production activities both within oil sands in Alberta and offshore Canada, according to a news release.

Tungesvik, who has almost 30 years of energy sector experience, comes from the position as senior vice president for renewable energy in Statoil. Under his leadership, Statoil participated in the development of one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world in the UK and strengthened the company’s position in the renewables industry through technology and optimization of commercial models, the news release said.

In his new role, Tungesvik directs the company’s oil sands operations in Alberta’s Athabasca region, including the Leismer Demonstration Plant and new development projects, such as Corner, Thornbury, and Hangingstone. He also will oversee the Calgary-based Heavy Oil Technology Centre, which researches and develops new technologies and processes to improve environmental sustainability.

Tungesvik also leads the development and production operations of Statoil Canada's East Coast and Arctic offshore assets, according to the release. In addition, he guides the company’s corporate responsibility and community engagement initiatives.