API elects Nichols as chairman

Oct. 21, 2008
Devon Energy Corp. Chief Executive Officer J. Larry Nichols has became the first independent producer to be named chairman of the American Petroleum Institute.

Nick Snow
Washington Editor

WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 21 -- Devon Energy Corp. Chief Executive Officer J. Larry Nichols has became the first independent producer to be named chairman of the American Petroleum Institute. His appointment was made Oct. 20 at API's annual meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The oil and gas industry trade association's board of directors also elected Marathon Oil Corp. Chief Executive Officer Clarence P. Cazalot Jr. as treasurer. Both will assume their offices on Jan. 1, 2009.

API directors also elected Jack N. Gerard as the group's president and chief executive officer effective Nov. 1. Gerard previously was president of the American Chemistry Council. He will succeed Red Cavaney, who is retiring from API but who will remain an active part of oil and gas industry activity in Washington as ConocoPhillips Co.'s new senior vice-president for government affairs.

Nichols is a cofounder of Devon, which is based in Oklahoma City and has been its chairman since 2000 and its chief executive since 1980. He was its president from 1976 until 2003.

Cazalot joined Marathon in March 2000 after a 38-year career at Texaco Inc., where he was a vice-president and headed the multinational oil company's worldwide production operations.

Before leading the American Chemistry Council, Gerard led the National Mining Association and cofounded McClure, Gerard & Neunschwander Inc., a lobbying firm, with former US Sen. James A. McClure (R-Idaho). Gerard also worked for 10 years as a US Senate and House staff member.

Contact Nick Snow at [email protected].