Oil and gas exploration and production company Blacksands Petroleum has appointed Paul Parisotto as its new president and CEO.

Mr Parisotto is an oil and gas and mining executive with significant investment banking experience. Since December 2004, Mr Parisotto has served as a director, and the president and CEO of Arizona Star Resource.

Mr Parisotto replaces Darren Stevenson as president and CEO, who will remain as a director of the company.