Vogel to transition to SM Energy CEO as Ottoson sets retirement date

Herbert S. Vogel, currently president and chief operating officer of SM Energy Co., Denver, will transition to the role of president and chief executive officer following the retirement of Javan (Jay) D. Ottoson, who will retire as chief executive officer at the close of business on Nov. 2, 2020. The news follows the noted but undated succession plan announced in July (OGJ Online, July 23, 2020).

On Oct. 26, the company's board of directors approved an increase in the number of authorized directors from nine to ten members and appointed Vogel to the new seat, effective as of his appointment to chief executive officer. Ottoson will remain a member of the board until the next annual meeting in May 2021.

Vogel joined SM Energy in 2012 and has served as chief operating officer since June 2019 (OGJ Online, June 3, 2019).