Lazard Inc. (NYSE: LAZ) announced that Michael Ure has joined the firm as a senior advisor in its Power, Energy & Infrastructure Group, based in Houston.

Ure brings more than 20 years of experience in executive and investment roles. He most recently served as president, chief executive officer and director of Western Midstream Partners, as well as interim chief financial officer. During his tenure at Western Midstream, the company transitioned into a standalone midstream business operating independently. Prior to Western Midstream Partners, he held leadership positions at Occidental Petroleum and Shell Upstream Americas.

"Michael brings the rare perspective of a senior operator who has led a major midstream business through significant strategic and organizational change," said George Bilicic, global head of Power, Energy & Infrastructure at Lazard. "As CEO of Western Midstream, he oversaw the company's transition to a standalone enterprise while navigating complex capital allocation and transaction decisions."

Peter Orszag, CEO and chairman of Lazard, said the appointment reflects the firm's investment in financial advisory talent as part of its 2030 strategy.

"Lazard's deep expertise and thought leadership in the power and energy sector make it the ideal platform to provide strategic counsel as the industry undergoes historic transformation," Ure said.

Ure earned his MBA from the University of Chicago and his bachelor's degree from Westminster University. He currently serves on the board of Phoenix Service Partners and previously served on the boards of Western Midstream Partners and The American Petroleum Institute.

Founded in 1848, Lazard provides financial advisory and asset management services with operations in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.