HOUSTON, Aug. 30, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Energy XXI (EXXI) (LSE:EXXI) today announced the appointment of Antonio De Pinho to senior vice president of joint ventures and technology effective Sept. 4, 2012.

De Pinho has more than 20 years of experience in international oil and gas operations, most recently as vice president of western division and international exploration and production at El Paso Corporation. He also held the position of vice president of international business development at Devon Energy. Prior experience includes positions of increasing responsibility at Texaco, Partex Oil & Gas, Western Atlas International, and Ocean Energy before that company's acquisition by Devon in 2003.

"Adding Antonio to the senior management team allows Energy XXI to pursue joint venture opportunities both within the company's core operating areas and, eventually, internationally," Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Schiller said. "In a competitive acquisition market, Antonio has the experience and contacts to help capture deals that can add immediate value and future growth potential to the company."

About the Company

Energy XXI is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company whose growth strategy emphasizes acquisitions, enhanced by its value-added organic drilling program. The company's properties are located in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico waters and the Gulf Coast onshore.  Seymour Pierce is Energy XXI's listing broker in the United Kingdom.  To learn more, visit the Energy XXI website at www.EnergyXXI.com .

The Energy XXI logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3587

CONTACT: Enquiries of the Company

         Energy XXI
         Stewart Lawrence
         Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications
         713-351-3006
         slawrence@energyxxi.com

         Greg Smith
         Director, Investor Relations
         713-351-3149
         gsmith@energyxxi.com

         Seymour Pierce
         Nominated Adviser: Jonathan Wright
         Corporate Broking: Richard Redmayne
         Tel: +44 (0) 20 7107 8000

         Pelham Bell Pottinger
         James Henderson
         jhenderson@pelhambellpottinger.co.uk
         Mark Antelme
         mantelme@pelhambellpottinger.co.uk
         +44 (0) 20 7861 3232