BP plc announced its U.S. president David Lawler is leaving the company. Lawler, who had been with BP for nine years, has notified the company of his intent to pursue new career opportunities outside of BP. He will be replaced by U.S. gas trading executive Orlando Alvarez as president of BP America Inc. Kyle Koontz, a vice-president, will take over as CEO of BPX Energy, BP?s shale production division.

Denver native Lawler oversaw BP?s entry into the Permian Basin with the $10 billion purchase of shale oil assets from BHP Billiton Ltd. in 2018. While the operations struggled with methane emissions and inadequate infrastructure for the first few years, they are now primed to be some of BP?s fast-growing oil assets, with a targeted production increase of 30% by 2025. Alvarez will continue as senior vice-president of gas and power trading in the region in addition to his new role.

Koontz previously was vice-president of development at BPX and will report to Gordon Birrell, executive vice-president of production and operations.