SM Energy CEO Herbert Vogel to retire, Elizabeth McDonald named president

SM Energy Company (NYSE: SM) announced that Chief Executive Officer Herbert S. Vogel will retire on March 1, 2026, and has resigned as president effective September 4, 2025. The Denver-based oil and gas company stated that Vogel intends to remain on the board of directors until the annual stockholders meeting in May 2026.

Elizabeth A. McDonald has been appointed president and chief operating officer. The board intends to promote McDonald to president and chief executive officer when Vogel retires, according to the company statement.

Vogel is expected to take on an executive advisor role for a period following his retirement. Chairman Julio Quintana said the succession planning process sought continuity of the company's values and expressed confidence in McDonald's leadership capabilities.

"My time with SM Energy has certainly been the highlight of my career, and it has been a true privilege to work with such talented and dedicated people at the forefront of the oil and gas industry," Vogel said in the announcement.

McDonald commented on her appointment: "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as SM Energy's President and Chief Operating Officer. This is an exciting time for SM Energy as we embrace a step-change in scale in reserves, production and cash flow, which are complemented by a strong balance sheet."

SM Energy operates in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, gas, and natural gas liquids in Texas and Utah. The company's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SM.

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