GeoPark Announces Appointment of an Independent Chair and Nomination of a New Independent Director to Its Board - Seite 2

James F. Park, CEO of GeoPark, said: “The Board would like to express its sincere gratitude to Sylvia for accepting the Chair at this exciting and dynamic time for GeoPark. Her significant public and private sector experience across many of the countries where we operate will be invaluable as we continue to expand within Latin America. As a successful CEO, running one of Latin America’s largest companies, Sylvia brings critical operating and governance experience to our organization. Since joining the Board last year, Sylvia has impressed the rest of the Board with her insights and commitment to advancing our business strategy to build value for all shareholders. We look forward to her oversight and continued contributions as Chair.”

Ms. Escovar said: “It is an honor to take over as Board Chair of this entrepreneurial and well-respected company. GeoPark’s talented team and strong culture provide a powerful foundation for continued growth. I look forward to leading GeoPark’s diverse and collaborative board and contributing to this great company going forward.”

Mr. Park continued: “The Board thanks Gerry for his years of leadership and invaluable service to GeoPark as co-founder and Chairman. Through Gerry’s vision, trust and persistence, we have built GeoPark into a preeminent Latin American E&P company with an 18-year track record of growth and performance delivery, the strongest oil and gas team in the region, an extensive asset portfolio for continued future growth, and deep bonds to the communities in which we operate. Personally, I am grateful for Gerry’s special friendship and partnership and the fun we had – as well as the challenges we faced – building GeoPark together.” Mr. O’Shaughnessy has been GeoPark’s Chairman and a Board member since he co-founded the Company in 2002.

Nomination of a New Independent Director

GeoPark also announces that its Board has nominated Maria Fernanda Suarez for election as a new independent director at its Annual Meeting.

Ms. Suarez, 46, has a highly distinguished career in both the public and private sectors, including serving as Minister of Energy and Mines of Colombia and as Vice President of Strategy and Finance (CFO) of Colombia’s national oil company Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC).

As Colombia’s Minister of Energy — a cabinet level position — she led efforts to bring safe and affordable energy to wide sectors of the Colombian population by increasing hydrocarbons production and promoting the development of non-conventional renewable sources. Under her leadership, Colombia’s wind and solar installed capacity increased to 12 percent of the energy mix from 0.1 percent. Previously, she also served as Director of Public Credit and the National Treasury in the Colombian Finance Ministry.