Wang Yilin

Wang Yilin, becomes CNPC chairman, March 28, 2014. [Photo / IC]

Wang Yilin, the former chairman of China National Offshore Oil Corp, the country's largest offshore energy producer, is to become chairman of CNPC.

He replaces Zhou Jiping, 63, who is retiring and has been CNPC chairman since 2013.

Born in 1956, Wang became deputy general manager of CNPC after serving as head of the company's subsidiary in theXinjiang Uygur autonomous region. He was appointed chairman of CNOOC during the last leadership reshuffle at the three oil giants four years ago.