According to NIOC, Hamid Bovard said Wednesday, at a ceremony introducing the new CEO of the National Iranian South Oilfields Company (NISOC), that the region’s historical significance makes it central to national energy policy. “This region is known as the birthplace of Iran’s oil industry, and many of our key decisions originate here,” he said, noting that the area accounts for about 75% of Iran’s oil production.

Bovard thanked the oil minister for his support and the government’s focus on addressing NISOC’s challenges. He said the leadership transition at the company “should not be viewed as a simple personnel shift, but as a strategic team realignment to advance development.”

The deputy oil minister added that outgoing CEO Ebrahim Piramoon is one of Iran’s leading technical experts, while incoming CEO Ramin Hatami is “a capable professional born in this region.” He expressed hope that the development trajectory will continue strongly.

Bovard also thanked Piramoon for his efforts and wished Hatami success, saying that significant achievements had been made, including higher oil production and expanded gas-flaring reduction programs. “This path must continue,” he said.

‘Responsibilities Are an Opportunity to Serve’

Hatami, newly appointed as CEO of NISOC, thanked Piramoon for his round-the-clock efforts. He said responsibilities in the oil sector “are opportunities to serve the people and the industry, and we must deliver maximum impact.”

Hatami said he was born and raised in the southern oil-rich region. “Now I have the chance to serve this region once again,” he said, adding that he hopes to restore the oil industry to its proper standing through teamwork and cooperation.

Need for Cohesion in Commitment to the Oil Sector

Farrokh Alikhani, NIOC’s director of integrated planning, also thanked Piramoon and wished Hatami success. He said he had closely observed Piramoon’s efforts during the past 14 months, particularly his focus on gas production — a topic he said is often overlooked by other managers.

He said that beyond leadership changes, “our cohesion and commitment to NIOC and to serving the country is what must never be forgotten.”

Oil and Gas Output Up Despite Sanctions

Piramoon, the former CEO of NISOC, presented a short report on his tenure. He said that despite sanctions and various challenges, the company not only maintained but increased oil and gas production over the past 14 months. He thanked all operational and support teams for their contributions.