Expand Energy Corporation has appointed Daniel E. Brown as the company's President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 26, 2026. Brown, age 51, will also join the company's Board of Directors. Michael A. Wichterich, who has served as Interim CEO since February 2026, will return to the role of Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
Brown joins Expand Energy from Chord Energy Corporation, where he served as President and CEO from July 2024 until October 2026. Prior to Chord, he was CEO of Oasis Petroleum, Inc., Chord's predecessor, from April 2021 until July 2024. His career also includes nearly 20 years at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, where he held roles such as Executive Vice President of U.S. Onshore Operations and Executive Vice President of International and Deepwater Operations.
In connection with his appointment, Expand Energy and Brown entered into an offer of employment. His annual base salary is set at $1,000,000, with an annual cash performance bonus target of 125% of his base salary. He will also receive an annual long-term incentive award with an aggregate target value of $8,750,000, consisting of 30% restricted stock units (RSUs) and 70% performance share units (PSUs).
Additionally, Brown will receive a make-whole equity award valued at $15,652,246. This award includes RSUs with a target value of $4,726,662 and PSUs with a target value of $10,925,584, intended to compensate him for compensation forfeited at his prior employer. The RSUs will vest in equal one-third installments on December 31, 2027, 2028, and 2029. The PSUs will vest based on total shareholder return metrics over overlapping performance periods ending December 31, 2028, 2029, and 2030, subject to accelerated vesting upon a qualifying termination.
Expand Energy is the largest natural gas producer in North America. The company stated that Brown's appointment follows a comprehensive search led by the Board with the assistance of a search firm.
