Vitesse Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTS) announced that its board of directors has appointed Jamie Benard as president and chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2026. The appointment follows a succession planning process at the oil and gas company.

Benard brings more than 20 years of energy industry experience to the role. He most recently served as president of SOGC, LLC, formerly Sinclair Oil & Gas Company, where he oversaw strategy, operations and capital allocation. Previously, he held the position of president and chief operating officer at Summit Discovery Resources LLC.

Bob Gerrity, who founded Vitesse, has resigned as chief executive officer and chairman of the board effective immediately. Dan O'Leary, lead independent director, will replace Gerrity as chairman of the board.

Brian Cree, the company's current president, will serve as interim chief executive officer until Benard assumes the role. Cree also announced his pending retirement as an officer but will remain with the company in a senior advisory role through December 31, 2026. Chief Financial Officer James Henderson will remain in his position.

"I am honored to join Vitesse and build on the strong foundation the Company has established," Benard said in a statement. He cited the company's approach to capital allocation and commitment to stockholder returns as positioning factors for continued success.

Gerrity stated he is "proud of the accomplishments of Vitesse over the past 13 years" and expressed confidence in the company's future direction.

Vitesse Energy focuses on returning capital to stockholders through owning financial interests predominantly as a non-operator in oil and gas wells drilled by U.S. operators.