Newly retired BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. executive Jim Palmer has formed a consulting firm and signed his first client, Dallas-independent Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
The Palmer Group, located at 1400 West Benson, Suite 350, Anchorage, offers management consulting, strategic planning, and government and public relations — services Palmer provided as an executive with BP in Anchorage during his 22 years with the company.
On Oct. 24, Pioneer announced it had signed an agreement with Armstrong Resources LLC for a 70 percent working interest in 10 state oil and gas leases on the North Slope. 
Pioneer took over operatorship of the prospect, 14,000 acres between the Kuparuk River unit and Thetis Island, and is planning to drill two to three exploration wells this season.