A long-time central player in Kurdistan's oil industry, the CEO of KAR Group has already become a trusted advisor of KRG Prime Minister Masrur Barzani.
Thousands of Islamic State militants are believed to be in the area, exploiting security gaps.
Iraq's oil minister is reshuffling the directors general of the state-run companies managing Kirkuk and Dhi Qar's oil operations.
Oil sales from both the federal government and the KRG increased in November.
In the midst of an unpredictable protest movement, Iraq's oil sector has avoided output disruptions and plans are on track for developing new production and export capacity.
Protesters are confronting an unbridgeable gap between their demands and the government's action. Their rising frustration poses increasing risks to the oil sector.
As anti-government demonstrations alter Iraq's political landscape, the KRG has been forced to temper its ambitions to negotiate a durable financial relationship with Baghdad.
The Mosul-area field has resumed shipments as demonstrations appear to be receding – at least temporarily – from key infrastructure.
The oil minister has officially confirmed his deputies, transferred or retired key officials, and put HFO sales under SOMO's purview.
The stoppage at small Qayarah field could foreshadow larger impact of anti-government protests on oil sector.
