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SandRidge Energy, Inc. has reported changes in leadership within its executive management team:
- David C. Lawler, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has resigned to take the position of Chief Executive Officer of BP's Lower 48 operations. Mr. Lawler will remain engaged in his current role through September 3rd to ensure a smooth transition.
- Craig A. Johnson, Senior Vice President of Development for Oklahoma, has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations.
- The Company has initiated a search for a new Chief Operating Officer.
Craig A. Johnson, 47, has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations. Mr. Johnson joined the company in July 2007 as Vice President of Operations and has served as a Senior Vice President in operational roles since June 2011. Prior to joining SandRidge, Mr. Johnson was Operations Manager for the Eastern Division of Samson Resources, having also served in various engineering and asset management positions in the Gulf Coast, Mid-Continent and Southeastern regions. Mr. Johnson graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering.
James D. Bennett, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Craig Johnson exemplifies the SandRidge culture of innovation, execution and investing in the success of our employees. Because of this, we have full confidence our operations teams will continue to successfully execute our capital programs, while improving our techniques and increasing our efficiencies. Craig will help guide our teams in these key areas and I look forward to working closely with him as he takes on additional responsibilities.
"Dave Lawler has done a remarkable job of leading our operations teams, which over the past several years have implemented innovative development techniques to achieve record setting capital efficiencies. We wish Dave all the best in his future endeavors."
Mr. Lawler stated, "SandRidge is a special company that has assembled an outstanding group of talented and dedicated employees. The decision to leave was difficult, but I am confident that SandRidge is on the right path and has the asset base and team needed to continue delivering exceptional results. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished, and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a great management team."
Position at BP
Lawler, who brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the role, will begin on Sept. 15 and report to Lamar McKay, BP’s Upstream Segment chief executive. Lawler, 46, takes over just months before BP formally establishes a separate business to manage its onshore oil and gas assets in the continental United States. The move is designed to give the business the flexibility it needs to aggressively compete in the rapidly changing market.
McKay commented: "With an impressive track record at integrated oil and gas companies as well as independents, Dave is uniquely qualified to lead our onshore business during this exciting transition. His experience and skills match up perfectly with our goals for the business. I’m confident he will create a competitive and sustainable operation that will be a key component of BP’s portfolio for many years."
Lawler commented: "It is an honor to join BP and have the opportunity to work with the talented members of the Lower 48 organization. I’m looking forward to leveraging BP’s talent and resources while running the business as if it were an independent."
In March, BP announced that in early 2015 it would establish this separate business. BP will continue to own it but Lawler and his leadership team will develop and implement the strategy to expand the company’s crude oil and natural gas liquids portfolio.