Mohammad Barkindo, Who Led OPEC in Turbulent Times, Dies at 63

OPEC Secretary-general Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, an iconic figure within the organization and across the oil industry, died on July 5 in his home country of Nigeria, according to details revealed by the oil producing group.

“It is with immense sorrow and sadness that the OPEC Secretariat learnt of the passing of the OPEC Secretary-general, His Excellency, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo,” OPEC announced July 6 in a press statement. “He was the much-loved leader of the OPEC Secretariat and his passing is a profound loss to the entire OPEC family, the oil industry and the international community.”

Barkindo assumed his leadership position at OPEC on Aug.1, 2016 and was set to step down later this month. Haitham Al-Ghais of Kuwait, a seasoned oil industry veteran and an astute diplomat, was the next in line to succeed Barkindo, according to OPEC.