Chord Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: CHRD) has appointed Michael Lou as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Oct. 19, 2026. Lou also joins the company's board of directors.

Lou succeeds Danny Brown, who stepped down as President, CEO, and board member to pursue another professional opportunity.

Lou brings more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including 17 years in various roles at Chord and its predecessor companies. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Chief Commercial Officer from March 2024 through October 2026. Before that, he held the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from July 2022 to March 2024.

Prior to Chord Energy's formation through the merger of Whiting Petroleum and Oasis Petroleum, Lou served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Oasis Petroleum and as President and Director of the general partner of Oasis Midstream Partners. He began his career in investment banking, spending 10 years at global investment banks focused on the energy sector.

Susan Cunningham, Chair of the Chord Energy Board of Directors, attributed the transition to the company's succession planning and said the board has confidence in Lou's ability to lead the organization.

Chord Energy is an independent exploration and production company focused primarily on the Williston Basin in the continental United States.