People | Capital Markets | Private Equity Activity

Cobalt Brings On New Chief Financial Officer

Share Print Bookmark    |    Tuesday,August 25,2015

Cobalt International Energy, Inc. announced that Shannon (Shane) E. Young, III will join Cobalt as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President.

Mr. Young is currently Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer for Talos Energy LLC. He replaces John P. Wilkirson, who has indicated his desire to pursue other interests. These changes are effective September 1, 2015, and Mr. Wilkirson will remain as a consultant to Cobalt through the end of October to ensure a smooth executive transition.

Commenting on these changes, Joseph H. Bryant, Cobalt’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "I am extremely pleased that Shane has agreed to join Cobalt at this time of exceptional opportunity and challenge. Shane’s deep experience in Capital Markets, Investment Banking, and M&A will be put to full use as Cobalt continues to grow. His background is a perfect match for Cobalt at this point in our life-cycle.” Bryant added, “I wish John all the best as he leaves Cobalt and want to thank him on behalf of the Board of Directors and the rest of the Cobalt team for his many years of service."

Commenting on his new assignment Mr. Young said, "I’m excited about joining the Cobalt team and being an integral part of this great company with such a bright future. Cobalt’s reputation as a leading explorer and operator is well known in the industry. I look forward to progressing and strengthening Cobalt’s financial foundation so that it remains a premier global exploration and production company."

John Wilkirson added, "My time at Cobalt has been truly special as the company matured from the private start-up to today’s successful public entity. During the past five years as CFO, I appreciated the opportunity to have led multiple significant and innovative financings. I feel the timing is right to make this transition and I wish the company all the best in their future endeavors."

In addition to his current role, Mr. Young has over 20 years’ experience as an Investment Banker at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Salomon Brothers. Mr. Young earned a Bachelor in Business Administration in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin and a Masters of Business Administration with Distinction from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.