The past week has seen a wave of senior leadership changes across the global energy sector, with some of the industry’s most significant succession announcements coming from major operators on both sides of the Atlantic.
ConocoPhillips — Andy O’Brien named President and CEO, Konnie Haynes-Welsh appointed CFO
ConocoPhillips has announced that Andy O’Brien, currently chief financial officer and executive vice president for strategy and commercial, will succeed Ryan Lance as president and chief executive officer, effective 1 September 2026. Lance, who has led the company since 2012, will become executive chair of the board in a transitional role. Konnie Haynes-Welsh, currently vice president for finance and controller, will become senior vice president and chief financial officer on the same date.
O’Brien joined legacy Conoco in 1997 and has spent nearly three decades with the company, building experience across finance, planning, strategy and international operations including the LNG business. Lance, the longest-serving CEO at a major oil company, has overseen ConocoPhillips through the strategic repositioning of 2012, the $38 billion Anadarko acquisition and the company’s transformation into one of the most financially disciplined upstream independents in the world. Lead independent director Robert Niblock said O’Brien brings deep knowledge of the business, a strong track record of execution and has played a key role in making the company successful.
Suncor Energy — Peter Zebedee to become President and CEO from April 2027, CFO transition begins September
Suncor Energy has named upstream executive vice president Peter Zebedee to succeed Rich Kruger as president and chief executive, effective April 2027, with Kruger moving to executive vice chair. In the meantime, Zebedee will take on the role of president and chief financial officer from 14 September following the departure of current CFO Troy Little. Current head of human resources and external affairs Adam Albeldawi has been appointed executive vice president of upstream, and Shelley Powell, currently leading operations improvement and support services, will lead development and projects, both also effective 14 September.
Vestas — Anna Mascolo appointed President, Northern and Central Europe and Global Offshore
Anna Mascolo has been appointed president of northern and central Europe and global offshore at Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas, taking on one of the most senior regional roles in the global offshore wind industry.
Chevron — Shu Xiong named President and Managing Director, Bangladesh
Shu Xiong has been appointed president and managing director of Chevron Bangladesh, effective 1 August, succeeding Eric Walker after his six years in the post.
Occidental Petroleum — Brad Pollack appointed Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Occidental has appointed Brad Pollack as senior vice president and general counsel, succeeding Sylvia Kerrigan, who will remain as senior vice president and chief legal officer through the end of 2026 before transitioning to a senior strategic adviser role in 2027.
Victoria, Australia — Jaclyn Symes appointed Minister for Energy and Climate
Jaclyn Symes has been appointed as the new Minister for Energy and Climate for Victoria, Australia, taking on the portfolio at a critical time as the state accelerates its renewable energy build-out and grapples with the east coast gas supply challenge that has defined Australian energy policy for much of 2026.
DNV — Joshua Clover named Country Manager, Americas
DNV has appointed Joshua Clover as country manager, Americas, for its industrial services division, adding senior regional leadership to one of the world’s largest independent assurance and risk management providers serving the energy and maritime sectors.
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