Levine adds to Imperial

IMPERIAL Energy, the successful Yorkshire-based energy company
founded by Leeds lawyer Peter Levine, has appointed an experienced
City banker as its new finance director.

John Hamilton will join the firm, which has its head office in
Leeds early next month replacing Guy Smith who will step down from
the role at the end of the year. Mr Smith with the company until
March 2008 to ensure a smooth handover of the responsibilities to
Mr Hamilton.

Mr Hamilton has more than 15 years of international banking
experience with ABN AMRO and for the past seven years he has worked
in the oil and gas team within the corporate and investment bank in
London, most recently as executive director.

Since it floated in 2004, Imperial, which is involved in oil
exploration and production in Siberia and Kazakhstan, has seen its
shares increase from just 25p to more than £15 today.

Mr Hamilton has been involved in a range of oil and gas
transactions including structured debt, bonds, convertible bonds,
equity and acquisitions. He holds a BA from Hamilton College, New
York and a MBA from Rotterdam School of Management and New York
University.

Chairman Mr Levine, said: “This appointment further
strengthens the top tier of Imperial's management. John's
extensive E&P [energy and petroleum] experience will be of key
importance in taking the company to the next stage of growth. The
board would also like to thank Guy for his contribution to the
company's growth to date and wish him well in the
future.”