BP appoints communications and external affairs director

A Swedish national, Cecilia joined BP in 1995 and has since excelled in a variety of roles including business development in Russia, marketing in Portugal and finance and strategic planning in BP's UK Head Office. Her most recent position prior to this was chief of staff to the BP's Group Vice President of Europe, based in Germany.

"BP is committed to establishing a significant business in the Middle East for the long-term, to complement our already strong positions in Russia and West Africa. Ms Ekback's appointment will help us to build on the mutually beneficial relationships we have established, adding value to customers, partners and communities across the Middle East," said Dr Michael Daly, President BP Middle East and Pakistan.

Ekback is fluent in Swedish, English, French and Russian; can communicate in Portuguese, German and Spanish; and is currently learning Arabic.

She graduated with a bachelor's degree in International Marketing from Uppsala University and majored in international politics.

Her earlier career embraced working as a key account manager for Coca-Cola in Russia, consulting for Dale Carnegie and freelance journalism. She continues to write feature articles and short stories as well as speaking publicly on international relations and culture.