Caltex have announced Matthew Halliday has been appointed interim CEO, to replace Julain Segal, as they negotiate rival takeover bids.
Mr Segal, who announced he would be retiring in August last year, will leave the company on March 2.
Mr Halliday is currently chief financial officer at Caltex and his CFO position will be helmed by current deputy CFO Jeff Etherington for the interim, while Louise Warner, current executive general manager (fuels and infrastructure) was named interim chief operation officer.
Caltex launched a global search for a permanent replacement for Mr Segal last year, however in light of recent takeover bids, have said the search is temporarily on hold.
Mr Halliday, who Caltex Chairman Steven Gregg said has extensive ASX-listed company experience, will help steer the company through multiple takeover bids.
Including an $8.8 billion bid from Canadian giant Couche-Tard and a rival split bid in cash and shares from UK rival EG Group.
In a statement to the ASX this morning, Mr Gregg praised Mr Halliday’s background in senior finance and commercial roles and experience in leading major strategic initiatives in Caltex and the key role he has played in responding to the takeover bids.
“Matthew’s ASX-listed company experience and knowledge of M&A, capital management and transformation make him the ideal candidate to lead Caltex at this time,” he said.
“He is highly respected by the market and by colleagues across the business and will work closely with the Board as Interim CEO.”
“Matthew will also work closely with Louise Warner whose operations and commercial skills will be critical to ensuring we continue to run the business well while we progress a potential transaction. Louise has had a long and successful career at Caltex and her exceptional knowledge of all parts of our operations complements Matthew’s expertise.