The International Energy Agency’s Chief Economist Fatih Birol will replace Maria Van Der Hoeven as Executive Director in September. Birol, 56, who joined the IEA 20 years ago, has responsibility for its annual World Energy Outlook, which makes long-term forecasts on global energy supply, the Paris-based organization said in an e-mailed statement. His prior work at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in Vienna gives him a “unique perspective on the producer-consumer relationship,” the IEA said. “An outstanding choice, given his experience, knowledge, and the fact that he is very personable,” Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research in Winchester, Massachusetts said by e-mail. Birol has “a very cordial relation with his counterparts in OPEC.” Birol’s appointment comes at a time of turmoil in energy markets following the near 50 percent slump in crude prices last year, due in part to surging oil supply from […]