Dec 19 (Reuters) - Santos said on Friday it has appointed insider Lachlan Harris as its CFO, as the Australian gas producer navigates a transition period ‌tied to its key Barossa and Pikka projects.

The appointment ​follows the October exit of former CFO ‍Sherry Duhe after just one year ⁠in the ⁠role.

At the time, analysts pointed out that Duhe's exit ‌left Santos without a ​clear succession plan, as she was widely viewed as a potential successor ⁠to CEO Kevin ‍Gallagher, should ​he choose to step down.

Lachlan Harris has been responsible for overseeing the company's ‍financial stewardship since his appointment as acting CFO in October. During his 15 years with Santos, he has also been its treasurer.

"Lachlan also has a proven track ​record ‍of driving major initiatives at Santos," said managing director and CEO Gallagher.

"Most recently, ​he led our $1 billion 10 year-bond offering, which was significantly oversubscribed."

Gallagher had mentioned in his remarks in the firm's third-quarter production report in October that "together, Barossa LNG and Pikka phase 1 ​are expected to lift Santos' production compared to 2024 levels, by around 30 per cent by 2027."