Mr. Otten joined Nexen Petroleum U.S.A. Inc. in 1977 as Manager of Reservoir Engineering and Evaluation, and was promoted to Manager of Engineering in 1979. In 1980, he became Vice-President, Engineering, and in 1981 was promoted to Senior Vice-President, Production. Mr. Otten was appointed President of Nexen Petroleum U.S.A. in January 1987.

Prior to joining Nexen, Mr. Otten spent eight years with Kerr-McGee Corporation in various engineering positions, including District Engineering Manager. He was also associated with Continental Oil Company for three years in related capacities.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Mr. Otten holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the States of Texas and Louisiana. Mr. Otten is currently a director on the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) Advisory Board, a member of the IPAA Offshore Committee, a board member of NOIA, and a director on the Petroleum Engineering Advisory Board at Texas A&M University. Mr. Otten is a former executive committee member of the Dallas Wildcatters, and a former director on the Dallas Petroleum Club Board.