WPC Energy, the World Forum for Energy Transformation is delighted to announce the appointment of Burcu Canci Gunal as Director General (CEO), effective 1 January 2025.

Prior to this appointment, Burcu worked for Turkish Petroleum for 28 years, latterly setting up and assuming the role of Managing Director of the Carbon Management Department, overseeing corporate roadmaps and energy transition initiatives covering energy efficiency, GHG emissions management, carbon markets and renewables. Previous roles which Burcu has held within Turkish Petroleum include Deputy Managing Director of the Strategy Department and Head of the Corporate Communications Division.

Burcu has been involved with WPC Energy for over 17 years and was the founder of the WPC Energy Mentoring Programme. She has been a member of the WPC Energy Executive Committee (Board) since 2014 and her roles have included Current Host & Past Host Country Representative, Special Advisor and most recently Vice President, Finance.

Burcu will succeed Dr Pierce Riemer who has led the organisation since 1999. Dr Riemer is due to retire in March 2025 and will support this transition during a three-month handover period.

“I am deeply honoured to step into the role of Director General and CEO of WPC Energy.” says Burcu Canci Gunal. “As we face an era of unprecedented change and opportunity in the energy sector, I look forward to working with our global partners and members to drive innovation, foster collaboration, support the next generation of energy leaders and progress diversity within our workforce. Together, we can advance solutions that address today’s energy challenges while building a sustainable future.”

“On behalf of the Executive Board and Secretariat, we are thrilled that Burcu Canci Gunal will lead our organisation from next year.” says Pedro Miras, President, WPC Energy. “Burcu is a highly respected energy professional with a long and successful track record within the industry. Her clear vision and results oriented approach, in addition to experience of holding multiple roles within WPC Energy, positions Burcu perfectly to support the transformation of our institution through the rapidly changing energy landscape."

WPC Energy, founded in 1933, is a United Nations accredited NGO. As a non-advocacy, non-political organisation with charitable status in the UK, we remain committed to facilitating a global, open dialogue around oil, gas, energy, and their products and to the promotion of their sustainable management for the benefit of all. For the first time in our history, the next WPC Energy Congress (25th edition) will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 26-30 April 2026.