PORTLAND – P. Andrews Nixon, chairman, CEO and president of Dead River Co. has announced that Robert A. Moore of Cumberland has been elected by the company’s board of directors to the newly created position of president and chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1, 2007. Moore will report directly to Nixon, who will remain chairman and CEO.

Dead River Co. is the largest distributor of residential petroleum products in northern New England and a major owner and developer of commercial real estate.

Earlier this year, Nixon informed the company’s board of directors and shareholders of his intention to retire in April 2008, ending 38 years of service to Dead River, including more than 34 years as president and CEO. To ensure a smooth and orderly transition, the board chose to identify Nixon’s ultimate successor now. The two executives will work closely together for the next 16 months.

As president and COO, Moore will be responsible for the daily operations of the business. He is expected to assume the additional responsibilities of CEO and chairman following Nixon’s retirement.

A Maine native, Moore joined Dead River Co. in 1995 as vice president and general counsel. He became senior vice president in 1998, with responsibility for managing the company’s extensive petroleum operations. Prior to joining Dead River, Moore was a partner in the Pierce Atwood law firm. He also served as legal counsel to former Gov. John McKernan from 1986 to 1987. A graduate of Trinity College and the University of Maine School of Law, Moore has served as a director of several Maine companies and civic organizations.

“I am excited about my new role at Dead River Company and pledge to our customers and employees to continue the commitment to outstanding customer service and innovative leadership that have been the hallmarks of this company for decades,” Moore said.

Organized in 1909 in Bangor, Dead River is still owned by the descendents of the company founder, Charles Hutchins. With more than 1,100 employees, Dead River Co. is the largest distributor of residential heating fuels (propane, home heating oil, and kerosene) in northern New England and operates a chain of convenience stores in Maine. The company’s Dead River Properties division is actively engaged in commercial real estate, developing, owning and managing a large portfolio of properties that includes office buildings, industrial buildings and shopping centers in states from Maine to Florida.