Expand Energy Names CEO During Houston Move as Port and Energy Firms Mark Milestones

Houston's energy sector is seeing executive changes and corporate relocations this week. Expand Energy Corporation, which was formerly known as Chesapeake, named Danny Brown as its president and chief executive officer amid the company's move to Houston, according to reports from Yahoo Finance and The Oklahoman. The Business Journals reported that Expand Energy Corp. hired its new chief executive from Chord Energy, a fellow Houston-based company.

Other energy companies with operations in the region also reported financial, legal and operational developments. EnergyNow.com reported that CenterPoint Energy beat Q2 profit estimates and boosted its 10-Year capital investment plan. Meanwhile, law firm Hagens Berman announced via GlobeNewswire that Fluence Energy (FLNC) faces a securities class action lawsuit amid an inability to ramp up a facility in Houston. Elsewhere in the regional industry, sources told EnergyNow.com that Valero shut down a Texas refinery after an explosion rocked a diesel unit, while the Houston Chronicle profiled a plant in Conroe that uses esterification to turn fats and oils into product material.

Maritime activity connected to Houston also recorded new milestones. According to Container Management and PortNews IAA, the container vessel Tangier Maersk sailed from Houston to New York on bioethanol after completing the first U.S. marine bunkering using 100% bioethanol. Marine Link reported that the Maersk vessel's voyage marked an ethanol first on a U.S. route, and RFD-TV noted that the Maersk ethanol bunkering could open a potential new market for corn. In addition, Cyprus Shipping News reported that ExxonMobil is set to receive Port Houston's 4th Annual Lone Star Award at HIMC.

Beyond traditional operations, local energy and legal firms are expanding their partnerships and footprints in the city. Chron and Hoodline reported that Houston energy firm Frontieras has linked up as a partner with Cadillac's winless F1 team, which is F1's newest American team. At the same time, law firm Ashurst Perkins Coie made its first big move since its merger by launching a Houston office with a duo from Bracewell, joining Big Law's rush into the city, according to LawFuel.com, Non-Billable and The Global Legal Post. Bloomberg Law News also reported that Kirkland hired veteran trial lawyer Kaplan from Susman in Houston.