Tom Hickey is giving up his position as FD of Tullow Oil in a surprise move today.

The departing finance chief is stepping down in order to live full-time in Ireland.

Tullow said: 'The board of Tullow Oil plc announces with regret that Tom Hickey has today given notice of his resignation from the Board and from the position of chief financial officer of Tullow. Tom's decision to leave Tullow reflects the considerable personal demands of his role in a London-based multi-national company and his desire to live full time in Ireland. Tom believes that it would not be possible for him to continue to fulfill the demands of his role from Dublin as Tullow continues its rapid growth.'

The search for his replacement immediately and Hickey has agreed to stay on until his successor is chosen. Hickey is expected to leave sometime after the interim results in August and before the end of the year the company said.

Aidan Heavey, chief executive of Tullow, added: 'I am personally very sad that Tom is to leave Tullow as he has made an outstanding contribution to the Group since he joined us in 2000. His commitment has been exceptional and we are all truly disappointed that he will not be part of the next phase of growth and development of the business. We fully understand his decision and wish him every happiness and success in the future.'

Further reading

Read Tullow's statement to the City here