(Sharecast News) - Ithaca Energy chief executive Alan Bruce has stepped down with immediate effect "to pursue new opportunities", the North Sea oil and gas producer said on Friday.

Bruce led the company through its IPO and first year as a listed company. The board will progress with a formal search process to appoint a new CEO "as soon as possible".

Chief financial officer Iain Lewis will take on Bruce's duties as well as his own, it added.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com