Expand Energy CEO Steps Down; Company to Move HQ to Houston
Expand Energy plans to relocate its headquarters to Houston in mid-2026 and has named Chairman Michael Wichterich interim CEO as it pursues growth tied to global natural gas markets.
(P&GJ) — Expand Energy Corporation plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Oklahoma City to Houston in mid-2026 and has appointed Chairman Michael Wichterich as interim president and chief executive officer, the company said Feb. 9.
The relocation will primarily involve the company’s executive leadership team and is intended to strengthen Expand Energy’s ties with commercial and industry partners as it pursues long-term growth. Oklahoma City will remain a center of excellence for the company’s business and operations, Expand Energy said.
Wichterich succeeds Domenic (Nick) J. Dell’Osso Jr., who has stepped down as CEO and as a director of the board. Dell’Osso will remain involved as an external advisor for a transitional period, while the board begins a search for a permanent CEO with the help of an independent recruitment firm.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Nick for his leadership and many contributions since first joining the company in 2008,” Wichterich said. “During his tenure as CEO, the Company has grown from a $5 billion business to a $26 billion investment-grade enterprise included in the S&P 500 Index. We are grateful for his leadership in setting a strong foundation for our future.”
Wichterich said the move to Houston aligns with the company’s strategy as it looks to expand its market reach.
“Building on our positive momentum going into 2026, our new headquarters, supported by our outstanding teams in Oklahoma City and the field, will enable us to capitalize on Houston’s leading role as a gateway to the global natural gas market,” he said. “As North America’s largest natural gas producer, this will accelerate our strategy to provide affordable, reliable, lower carbon energy to growing domestic and global markets.”
Dell’Osso said he was confident in the company’s direction following the leadership transition.
“It has been a privilege to lead and work alongside the Expand Energy team as we have grown and evolved,” Dell’Osso said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that Expand Energy will continue to thrive and support energy access for a more secure and sustainable future.”
Lead Independent Director Matt M. Gallagher said Wichterich’s experience positions him to guide the company through the transition.
“Mike is the right leader to step into the role of Interim CEO and maintain continuity while we make the strategic move to Houston,” Gallagher said. “He knows our company deeply, has extensive relationships across the oil and gas industry, and is an entrepreneurial leader with a track record of success.”
Wichterich has served as chairman of Expand Energy’s board since 2021 and previously held the role of interim CEO in 2021. He is also founder and CEO of Three Rivers Operating Company LLC, a privately held exploration and production company focused on the Permian Basin.
The company reaffirmed its synergy, capital and operating outlook for the fourth quarter and full year 2025. Expand Energy plans to report fourth-quarter and full-year results after market close on Feb. 17, followed by a conference call on Feb. 18.