CAIRN Energy has promoted Michael Watts, the man who pioneered its successful exploration programme in Bangladesh, to the post of executive director with responsibility for exploration and new business, writes ROBERT POWELL.

For the last two years, Mr Watts, 41, has been Cairn's general manager for exploration. He was formerly managing director of Holland Sea Search Holdings, a Dutch gas exploration and production company which Cairn acquired in 1995. It was during his time at Holland Sea Search that Mr Watts initiated an exploration programme in Bangladesh that culminated in last year's huge Sangu discovery near the eastern port of Chittagong.

In addition to supervising exploration, Mr Watts also has responsibility for new business ventures. These are likely to consist of fresh exploration programmes in South-east Asia, possibly in partnership with other oil companies.