Algeria names new chief of energy firm Sonatrach

Algeria named on July 12 exploration expert Abdlemajid Attar as a new head of the state-owned company oil and gas company, Sonatrach, an official statement said.

Attar, a 51-year old geologist, replaces Nazim Charaf Eddine Zouioucche.

Attar was previously Sonatrach's exploration department chief and director of its international affairs section.

The official statement, reported by the official Algerian news agency APS said Energy and Mining Minister Youssef Housfi has appointed Attar in place of Zouioucche.

Sonatrach controls Algeria's oil and gas sector, which provides the North African country with more than 90 percent of its total exports.