Williams Energy elevates two executives to top slots and names two vice-presidents

May 21, 2002
Williams Energy Partners LP (WEP) has elevated two of its own executives for the top spots within the company's organization, succeeding the parent firm's president and CEO in those roles.

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, May 20 -- Williams Energy Partners LP (WEP), a unit of Tulsa-based Williams Cos. Inc., has elevated two of its own executives for the top spots within the company's organization, succeeding the parent firm's president and CEO in those roles.

Phil Wright has been named chairman, and Don Wellendorf has been named president and CEO of the Williams unit. Wright succeeds Williams Cos. Inc. Pres. and CEO Steve Malcolm as chairman of WEP, while Wellendorf succeeds Malcolm as CEO and Wright as president. Malcolm will retain a seat on the board.

Wright has served as president and CEO of Williams's energy services unit since September 2001 and has held numerous positions since joining Williams in 1989. Prior to that, he worked for 13 years with Conoco Inc. In 1996, Wright was promoted to senior vice-president, enterprise development and planning, for the energy services business. And in January 2001, he assumed the additional responsibilities of president and chief operating officer of the general partner of WEP.

Wellendorf—who served as the first senior vice-president, chief financial officer, and treasurer when WEP launched its initial public offering in February 2001—will continue to act as the partnership's CFO and treasurer until a successor is named. Wellendorf came to Williams after a 15-year career with Mapco Inc., where he held various positions including vice-president, treasurer, and corporate controller. He joined Williams as vice-president, strategic development, in 1998 following Williams's merger with Mapco.

Separately, Mike Mears was elected vice-president, transportation, and Rick Olson was named vice-president, pipeline operations, for WEP.

Mears joined Williams in 1985 where he has served in various leadership, engineering, project analysis, and operations control positions for Williams Pipe Line (WPL), which was recently acquired by WEP. In 1996, Mears became vice-president, petroleum development, for Williams's energy services unit. And in 1998, he became vice-president, transportation and terminals, for WPL.

Olson has worked for 21 years for WPL, most recently serving as vice-president, Midcontinent operations, since 1996. During 1996-98, he served as vice-president, operations and terminal marketing, for WPL. During 1981-96, Olson served in various leadership and operations positions with the pipeline unit.