CALGARY, Alberta—Gibson Energy Inc. announced March 21 that Clayton Woitas will not be standing for re-election as a director at Gibson’s 2018 Annual General Meeting, and that John Festival will be proposed as a nominee for election to the board of directors.

Woitas has been a board member since 2010 and is currently the company’s longest-serving director, having provided support and mentorship to the Gibson management team through the ompany’s IPO in 2011 and its subsequent growth as a public company.

“Clayton Woitas is widely regarded as one of the leaders of the Canadian oil and gas community, and we are truly grateful for his contribution to Gibson’s success over the past eight years,” said James Estey, chairman of Gibson. “It has been a sincere pleasure working with Clayton, especially given his passion for our industry. As a close confidante, his strategic focus and authentic style help shaped the company for a bright future. We wish Clayton the very best and will continue to regard him as one of the key builders of our company.”

“Following an extensive search, we are excited to have John Festival stand as a nominee to our board,” Estey continued. “With over three decades of exploration, production and development experience in Western Canada at public and private entities, John brings a thorough understanding and appreciation of our customer.”

Festival is currently president, CEO and a director of BlackPearl Resources Inc. He previously was part of a group that recapitalized BlackRock Ventures Inc., where he served as president and a director. Over a seven-year period, the company grew production to 14,000 barrels per day, culminating with its sale to Shell Canada Ltd. for $2.4 billion in 2006. Festival holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and is also a director of Toscana Energy Income Fund.