Reuters reported that Chinese oil trader Unipec has hired away two crude traders from foreign oil majors Chevron and Norway's Statoil.

China International United Petroleum & Chemical Corp, China top oil trader hired Chevron senior oil trader Bill Chalker and Statoil crude trader Mark Tattersdill.

One trader who met with Unipec said both traders had been based in London. It was not immediately clear whether they would remain there or relocate, potentially to the United States. Unipec has been seeking traders to expand its US operations. The company has an office in New York and may look to expand in Houston.

A source said Tattersdill has specialized in trading Angolan crude for Statoil.

Chevron and Statoil and Unipec parent Sinopec did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Sourced from Reuters)