Qualifications:         BSc., B.Eng. 1974
BSc. Hons. (Energy Studies)

André joined the Southern Oil Exploration Corporation (SOEKOR) in 1982.  During 24 years with SOEKOR and PetroSA he was involved in most aspects of oil field technology.  He soon managed Drilling Support Services, providing cement and mud services, drilling- and well testing programmes to SOEKOR’s semi-sub drilling rigs.
 
Mr. van Niekerk co-developed South Africa’s first oil production project, responsible for the acquisition of a floating production platform, all the subsea work and went on to become the Production Manager for this project.

After the merger between SOEKOR and MOSSGAS to form PetroSA, André was appointed as Operations Manager responsible for all South Africa’s offshore oil and gas production:-
a gas producing platform, two floating oil producing projects, ongoing drilling operations and a logistics support base.

After having consulted to LiLe for over two years, he joined the Management Team of LiLe as Chief Executive Officer.