Kuwait’s oil veteran Al-Ghais takes over as OPEC’s new Secretary-General

Kuwait’s oil veteran Al-Ghais takes over as OPEC’s new Secretary-General

VIENNA: The Kuwaiti oil expert Haitham Al-Ghais took office on Monday as the new Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) at the Organization’s headquarter in the Austrian capital, Vienna. Al-Ghais was appointed by acclamation for a three-year term at a special meeting for OPEC conference held on 3 January 2022, succeeding the late Secretary General of the organization Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo.

In a statement issued by OPEC, Al-Gais said, “It is a great honor for me to be at the helm of an Organization that has been instrumental in supporting a stable and sustainable supply of oil to the world for more than 61 years.”

“Throughout its history, OPEC has been at the forefront of promoting dialogue, cooperation and partnerships to achieve its mission. Today, I look forward to working with all our member countries and our many partners around the world to ensure a sustainable and inclusive energy future which leaves no one behind,” the Secretary General added. Al-Ghais is an oil technocrat and well known OPEC figure – brings a great experience from both his diplomatic background, as well as his extensive experience in the energy and oil sectors in Kuwait and internationally.

The Secretary General’s career