The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) has appointed the head of Russian engineering company Stroytransgaz as secretary-general of the Qatar-based group.

Leonid Bokhanovsky was elected as head of the gas producers’ club, according to a statement released by Iran’s official Shana energy news agency, following a formal meeting in Doha on 9 December.

The secretary-general will have a two-year term, renewable for another two years.

Gas producers in the forum include Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Algeria, Iran, Russia and Venezuela.

In 2008, the GECF agreed to set up headquarters in Doha and signed a formal charter.

GECF members are responsible for more than 70 per cent of the world’s gas resources.

The forum aims to promote dialogue between member states, allowing them to exchange information and develop common policies.