THE new managing director of Manx Gas has been announced.

Tony Nicholls, chief executive of the Oil and Pipelines Agency, which operates the UK’s largest integrated oil pipeline and storage system, succeeds Alan Bates.

Mr Bates has left to become managing director of Guernsey Electricity after more than five years at the helm of the Isle of Man’s gas utility.

Mr Nicholls, 49, who takes up his new role on August 18, said:  "I'm looking forward to moving to the Island and joining Manx Gas in the year it celebrates its 175th anniversary.  Having lived in Cumbria for more than 10 years it has been an ambition to relocate to the Isle of Man and that is about to be fulfilled."

He added: "This is a particularly momentous time to be joining the company as, subject to Tynwald approval, Manx Gas will this year be starting work on extending natural gas beyond the Douglas area."

Mr Nicholls, a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, started his career with British Gas and was also European managing director for Cumbria-based Furmanite, a specialist services company operating in the energy and powergen sectors.

Originally from Hemel Hempstead, he graduated from the University of Luton with a BSc Hons degree in integrated engineering with management.  He is married with two adult sons.

Mr Nicholls added: "I’m also looking forward to being on the Island in time for the Manx Grand Prix which starts on  August 21, motor bikes are something of a passion of mine as I have a Ducati Monster S4."

He said he is also a "relatively keen" sailor.

Neil Shaw, chief executive officer of Manx Gas parent company International Energy Group said: "Tony has more than 30 years experience in the gas and oil industry and we are delighted that someone of his calibre is joining Manx Gas as managing director."