Western Midstream names new leadership to “grow alongside Occidental” following acquisition

HOUSTON - Western Midstream Partners (WES) announced that Michael P. Ure has been named president & Chief Executive Officer and Craig W. Collins has been named senior vice president & Chief Operating Officer of WES. Mr. Ure previously served as Senior Vice President of Business Development for Occidental and Mr. Collins is returning to WES having previously served as senior vice president & Chief Operating Officer of its predecessor, Western Gas Partners, LP from 2017 to 2018. Mr. Ure and Mr. Collins are succeeding Robin H. Fielder and Gennifer F. Kelly, respectively, in connection with the recently completed acquisition of Anadarko by Occidental. Jaime R. Casas, senior vice president, chief financial officer & treasurer, and John D. Montanti, vice president, general counsel & corporate secretary, will remain in their current positions.

"Occidental sees great value and opportunity in the excellent WES asset base and is committed to value-enhancing opportunities for both companies," said Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental.

"I am excited to lead Western Midstream through its next stage of growth," said Mr. Ure. "Occidental's acquisition of Anadarko creates a world-class portfolio of onshore U.S. assets, which includes the largest and most prolific acreage positions in the Delaware and DJ Basins. WES is uniquely positioned to benefit from this transaction through the significant opportunities to grow alongside Occidental. Additionally, we are committed to positioning ourselves as the preferred midstream provider for all producers in high-quality onshore U.S. basins."

WES also announced changes to the board of directors and has appointed Glenn M. Vangolen, currently Senior Vice President of Occidental, Chairman of the Board, replacing Benjamin M. Fink effective immediately. Furthermore, Marcia E. Backus, Peter J. Bennett, Oscar K. Brown, Jennifer Kirk and Michael P. Ure have all been appointed to the Board and will replace Daniel E. Brown, Robin H. Fielder, Robert G. Gwin, Mitchell W. Ingram, and Amanda M. McMillian. Milton Carroll, Chairman of the special committee has elected to resign from the Board. A replacement to serve as Chairman of the special committee will be named in due course. WES would like to thank Mr. Carroll for his leadership on the Board and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

"We appreciate the expertise and institutional knowledge of the current independent directors and we value their ongoing contributions and leadership," said Mr. Vangolen. "Additionally, I am confident that the new board members' collective insight and expertise will help to ensure that WES remains aligned with Occidental and that the underlying strength of WES's business model is preserved."