Afren

Afren PLC ("Afren" or the "Company"), an independent oil and gas company focused on establishing itself as the leading pan-African exploration and production company, which listed on AIM in March 2005, announces the appointment of a non-executive Chairman.

Charles Jamieson has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman with immediate effect. Mr Jamieson retired as Chief Executive Officer of Premier Oil on 24 th March 2005, after 25 years with the Company. He began his career with Ernst and Young and Gulf Oil Corporation.

Mr Guy Pas, the acting Non-Executive Chairman, will continue as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Brian O'Cathain, Chief Executive of Afren, commented:
"We are delighted that Charles has agreed to become our Chairman. He is one of the most experienced people within the oil industry with a significant track record in developing oil and gas businesses in emerging markets. His expertise will be invaluable to Afren as it looks to develop into a significant oil and gas player within Africa."

Charles Jamieson, Non-Executive Chairman of Afren commented:
"Afren has all of the key fundamentals in place to become a leading oil and gas player in Africa; a highly experienced management team, prime exploration acreage and access to some of the most attractive opportunities within Africa. I look forward to working with the Board to achieve its ambitious plans."

For further information, please contact:

Afren plc    
Brian O'Cathain boc@afren.com +44 (0) 20 7182 1800
Osman Shahenshah os@afren.com +44 (0) 20 7182 1800

Pelham Public Relations    
Charles Vivian charles.vivian@pelhampr.com +44 (0) 20 7743 6672
Alisdair Haythornthwaite alisdair.haythornthwaite@pelhampr.com +44 (0) 20 7743 6676

Charles Jamieson is, in the past 5 years, a Director of the following companies:

Current Directorships
 Previous Directorships
 
Salamander Energy
 Premier Oil plc
 

There are no other matters to be disclosed in relation to Schedule 2 paragraph (f) of the AIM Rules.

Notes to Editors:

Charles Jamieson (Non-Executive Chairman)

Mr Jamieson (60) is a Chartered Accountant and MBA. He became Premier’s Finance Director in January 1981 He began his career with Ernst & Young and Gulf Oil Corporation, and became Chief Executive of Premier Oil in 1992.

Mr Jamieson retired as Chief Executive Officer on Premier Oil on 24 March 2005 and retired as a Board Director of Premier Oil on 30 June 2005.