Murphy Oil announces leadership changes, top global exploration exec to step down at end of February

Murphy Oil Corp. recently announced that its top senior executive who oversees the company’s global exploration and production operations plans to step down on Feb. 28 after 17 years of service with the Arkansas oil and gas explorer.

Eugene T. (Gene) Coleman, executive vice president (EVP) of Exploration & Business Development, joined Murphy in 2001 as a subsea systems manager. He quickly earned roles with increasing responsibilities abroad and domestically, officials said, culminating in being named EVP of Offshore in 2016 and then transitioning to his current role in 2018.

As a member of the company’s executive leadership team, Coleman has been instrumental in building and restructuring the offshore and exploration organizations and, most recently, was a key player in negotiating and closing the $800 million Gulf of Mexico deal with Brazil-based Petrobras. Company officials said Coleman is widely recognized for his longstanding commitment to Murphy and the company’s multi-decade success.

According to Murphy President and CEO Roger Jenkins, the responsibility for the company’s global exploration business will be assumed by Michael McFadyen, executive vice president of Murphy’s offshore business. The responsibility for business development will be assumed by David Looney, the company’s chief financial officer.

“On behalf of the company and the Board of Directors, I want to thank Gene for his many years of service and wish him all the best in retirement. Gene is an exceptional leader who has provided sound strategic advice and guidance in managing the vast array of operations for the company, and his contributions will be greatly missed,” said Jenkins. “Both Mike and David are key members of the leadership team and are poised for continued success with their respective new responsibilities.”