Because of increased operational activities and responsibilities, the Athabasca Oil Corporation had created the position of Chief Operating Officer. This position would be in charge of all operations in all technical functions as well as operating asset areas.

The board of directors have chosen Rob Broen to be the company's first COO effective immediately. Before assumption of the position, he was Senior Vice President of Light Oil managing the Light Oil Division, Health Safety and Environment services as well as the Drilling and Completions Services. 

In related news, Thermal Oil Senior Vice President Ian Atkinson parts ways with the company.

According to Athabasca Oil Corp CEO and President Sveinung Svarte, "As one of the founders of Athabasca, Mr. Atkinson was central in the creation of a company with more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable bitumen and a vast land base for production of light and gas He was also instrumental in the USD3,9 billion oil sands joint venture which Athabasca entered into with a third party in 2010. We sincerely wish him continued success in his future endeavors."