Amerada chief quits after TXU takeover

Utility company Amerada Hess managing director Caroline Harper is to leave the company after ten years. Her departure follows the company’s acquisition by TXU Energi’s parent company TXU Europe.

It is believed Harper left without a job to go to. A company spokesman claims Harper is leaving Amerada to go travelling.

Amerada deputy managing director Adrian Fernando, who had overall marketing responsibility, has also left the company.

TXU Energi senior commercial manager James Dunning has been promoted to acting managing director for Amerada. Dunning, who reports to TXU Energi executive vice-president Roger Partington, will also be responsible for integrating the Amerada business into TXU.

Last year, TXU Europe ditched its Norweb Energi and Eastern Energy brands and integrated the two businesses under the TXU Energi brand name (MW August 16, 2001). TXU Energi, the national consumer brand, was unveiled through a TV and press campaign created by the company’s agency, Roose & Partners.

It is not clear how the Amerada name will be integrated within the TXU business. Insiders say that TXU has got the licence to use the Amerada brand name for two years. TXU Europe acquired Amerada Hess earlier this month for &£117m.