Bermuda-based TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd has announced the appointment of Mustafa Yavuz as its new chief operating officer (COO).This follows the resignation of Gary Mize as president and COO.Mr Yavuz joined TransAtlantic in June 2011 in connection with the company’s acquisition of Thrace Basin Natural Gas (Turkiye) Corporation (TBNG). He first joined TBNG in 1987 and was named vice-president and COO in 2004.Mr Yavuz was a key contributor to TBNG’s growth and efficient operations and the board said it expects his leadership to provide a similar impact at TransAtlantic.He has an established understanding of the geology and operational practices and procedures in Turkey and within TransAtlantic.