Azura Names New CEO

Azura Energy Systems, Inc. (Azura) announced that Curtis D. Burton, 50, has been named the company's Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Burton will be responsible for managing the company's strategy, as well as oversight of the company's operations. The appointment was effective February 1. Burton, a 27-year marketing and operations veteran, has experience spanning 10 countries and a wide range of business settings. In 2005, Burton co-founded Nautilus Marine Technologies. The focus of the company was development of new and innovative subsea technologies for the deepwater oil and gas industry. Azura was formed as the result of a three-way merger between Nautilus, Superior Wellheads, Inc. and Gilmore Valves. Prior to his association with Nautilus Marine Technologies, Burton held a number of marketing and operating positions with Grant Prideco, Total Offshore Production Service, Texaco, Seaflo Systems and Sedco Hamilton Production Systems. Burton started his career as a Downhole Design Engineer with Otis Engineering Corporation. He was the Co-Founder of DeepSTAR, Texaco's visionary and revolutionary deepwater development process. He has been acknowledged by numerous major oil companies for his designs and innovative solutions to challenging technical problems. Burton participated in the development of the industry's first artificial intelligence estimating and cost design program known as SEAPLAN. Burton earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas in 1979. He has been a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas since 1987. Burton is a member of the National Ocean Industries Association.