(Sharecast News) - Serica Energy announced a change in its leadership team on Tuesday, with chief financial officer Andy Bell set to step down from his current role in the new year.

The AIM-traded firm said Martin Copeland would then assume the position of CFO.

It said Copeland, currently serving as a principal at energy advisory firm Kirk Lovegrove & Co, would bring more than three decades of extensive experience in oil and gas financing and advisory roles across various investment banks.

Notable achievements in Copeland's career included advising Premier Oil on its transformative reverse takeover by Chrysaor, leading to the formation of Harbour Energy.

He also played a pivotal role in advising JX Nippon on the sale of its UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) business to Neo Energy, and providing guidance to Tailwind Energy during its sale to Serica Energy.

"Following a very thorough recruitment process, the Serica board is delighted to announce that Andy's successor as chief financial officer and executive board member will be Martin Copeland," said chairman David Latin.

"Martin will join Serica in the new year, at which point he will succeed Andy as CFO; Andy will remain with the company to effect a smooth transition.

"The board is very grateful to Andy Bell for his many years of service to the company and our sector."

At 1053 GMT, shares in Serica Energy were down 1.47% at 214.8p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.