Professor Richard Swarbrick has been appointed to the board of Ikon Science Ltd and has become Global Director Geopressure with immediate effect.

Professor Swarbrick is a world-renowned expert in subsurface pressures. He is active in promoting the understanding of subsurface issues through radio and media appearances and is well known through his publications, standard petroleum exploration text books and global scale studies which have given him a worldwide profile: 'Richard is well known and respected throughout the industry, and is regarded as a pressure guru by many, including myself. He is always friendly, helpful, open and easy to work with.' (Hugh Dennis, Agora Oil Ltd).

After completing a First Class degree in Geology from Durham University UK and a PhD in Sedimentology and tectonics at the University of Cambridge, Professor Swarbrick spent 10 years in international roles in the UK and Houston for Mobil Oil Inc. In 1989 he began teaching Petroleum Geology at Durham University, where he is still actively involved in research and teaching leading to his Professorship in 2008. In 1997 he founded GeoPressure Technology, advising E&P companies on how to reduce the risks associated with drilling and assisting with important decisions around well-planning and geopressure petrophysical and geological interpretations.

Between 1994 and 2001 Professor Swarbrick instigated and ran GeoPOP, the GEOsciences Project into OverPressure which was funded by 16 oil and gas companies. During this time Richard consolidated his reputation for scientific rigour, knowledge and best practice.

GeoPressure Technology became part of the Ikon Science business in 2006. With Richard positioned on the board of Ikon Science, the capabilities of GeoPressure Technology are to be extended globally, through multiclient regional studies in core global exploration and production regions. Richard will also oversee the further development of pressure technology through the RokDoc® software platform.

Professor Swarbrick commented, 'GeoPressure Technology specialises in understanding pressure and its origin from a geological perspective first, then analysing velocity and other rock and fluid attributes to provide a prediction. Further, our regional pressure studies provide the framework by which the 'local' is set into context by the 'regional'. All areas lend themselves to such an integrated approach to problem solving for pressure prediction and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to develop the geopressure brand for Ikon Science globally.'

Ikon Science CEO Martyn Millwood Hargrave said, 'In the four years that Richard and GeoPressure Technology have been part of the Ikon group, we have seen over 500% growth in the geopressure business. Richard's new global role of developing and implementing unique geological insights and experience combined with Ikon's proven technological capabilities will provide our clients in energy companies and governments with unique understanding leading to optimised exploration and production planning and safer well drilling - a vital requirement in the 'post - Macondo' world.'

Tags: Ikon Science