Sterling Energy plc announced that Mr. Paul McDade and Mr. Ian Cloke have joined the Board as executive directors of the company, with immediate effect. Mr. Cloke has joined as the company's Chief Operating Officer.  The company's existing CEO, Mr. Tony Hawkins, has stepped down from the Board and, after a suitable transition period, will depart the Company. The existing directors of the Company, Mr. Michael Kroupeev, Mr. Ilya Belyaev and Mr. Leo Koot will ensure there is a suitable transition to a new Board of Directors. Paul McDade has over 35 years' experience in the oil & gas industry gaining broad operational, commercial and management experience in the North Sea, Latin America and Africa. Ian Cloke has over 25 years' experience in the oil and gas industry gaining broad, technical, operational, commercial and management experience in Africa, North & South America, the North Sea and South East Asia.