Patriciu’s people leaving Rompetrol, headed by Eric Kish

“I never planned on remaining with Rompetrol after this transaction is finalized [Ed. n. – the transfer of 100 percent of the shares to the Kazakhstan-based state-owned company – KazMunaiGaz], because I personally do not believe I can bring any more added value,” Kish said. “I have been with Rompetrol for ten years. I was one of the first people to participate in its restructuring. I have brought the company this far. I believe it is time to leave other young people in my place,” the official added.

“It is likely that Kish, as well as others in Rompetrol, who will follow him, have reached an amicable agreement with KazMunaiGaz regarding their departure from the company. Clearly, Romapetrol’s new owner has a different vision,” said Andrei Chirilescu, Deputy General Manager of LukOil Romania, one of Rompetrol’s main competitors. In turn, analyst Aurelian Dochia said that “now, the worst thing for Rompetrol would be a conflict, following which the entire old team would leave.”