TOTAL is parting company with the head of its North Sea business as the shake up at the operation continues.

The French oil and gas giant said Elisabeth Proust will be retiring from the firm shortly after three years running the North Sea business amid the fallout from the crude price plunge.

Michael Borrell, Total’s Senior Vice President for North Sea and Russia, thanked Ms Proust for her tireless work.

“When she arrived the industry was facing a most challenging downturn,” said Mr Borrell. “Under her leadership Total E&P UK reduced its operating costs by 30%, completed major investment projects West of Shetland and restructured its business to improve focus on asset safety and production.”

Ms Proust oversaw the completion of work on the giant Laggan Tormore and Edradour Glenlivet developments.

Total expanded in the UK North Sea through the $7.45 billion acquisition of Maersk Oil in August.

The group announced last month it expected to cut around 250 jobs in Aberdeen.

It said yesterday that Morten Kelstrup, managing director of Maersk Oil UK, is also moving on. “Morten’s professionalism has been invaluable in successfully bringing together the teams,” said Mr Borrell.

A new managing director for the North Sea business will be announced shortly.