Riccardo brings more than 20 years’ refining experience gained with ExxonMobil in Italy, UK and most recently Australia and New Zealand, where he was Refinery Manager, and replaces Simon Downing who has retired after more than 35 years with the company, including four as Fawley Refinery Manager.
Commenting on his appointment, Riccardo said: ‘’For over 70 years, ExxonMobil Fawley has operated at the heart of the New Forest community, providing high value employment and making a key economic contribution and I am proud to be part of its exciting future.
‘’Fawley’s strength is the integration of the refining and the chemical sites, but the quality and commitment of the Fawley people is what makes this place special.
‘’I am looking forward to continuing to work together to address the dual challenge of meeting the future energy needs of consumers and businesses while working to support the UK’s net zero ambitions.’’
The Fawley refinery is the largest in the UK and manufactures automotive fuels and lubricants, aviation fuel as well as lubricants for industrial and commercial applications. The site provides fuel for the equivalent of one in every five vehicles on Britain’s roads supplied safely via a 450-mile network of underground pipes.
The site’s integrated Chemicals operation, which manufactures a range of base chemicals, plasticisers and butyl rubber is led by plant manager Richard Henderson, another ExxonMobil veteran with over 34 years’ experience.
Together, the Fawley site employs over 2,500 skilled employees and contractors and supports more than 2,000 supply chain companies.
Paul Greenwood lead country manager and chairman of Esso UK, said: ‘’Riccardo has extensive operational experience that befits the UK’s largest refinery. As the site looks towards the future, his knowledge and experience will help us continue evolving to meet changing needs and expectations.”