Colombia-based E&P GeoPark Ltd. has named Felipe Bayon as its new CEO and board member, succeeding Andrés Ocampo, effective June 1.

Bayon holds over 30 years of international oil and gas industry experience, according to GeoPark’s April 24 press release.

From 2017 to 2023, Bayon served as CEO of Latin American energy major Ecopetrol, where he oversaw the production of approximately 700,000 boe/d and revenues of over $30 billion, the release stated.

Bayon introduced Ecopetrol into the Permian Basin in July 2019 through a joint venture (JV) with Occidental Petroleum called Rodeo Midland Basin. The JV grew Ecopetrol’s footprint from 0 bbl/d to 150,000 bbl/d gross in four years, the company said.

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He also led Ecopetrol’s involvement in Brazil’s ultradeep, presalt play through a partnership with Shell in October 2019.

Bayon is credited for driving Ecopetrol’s position in the Latin American power transmission sector and focused investments in renewable energies, water management and nature-based climate solutions, GeoPark said.

Prior to his tenure at Ecopetrol, Bayon began his career in 1991 with Shell in field operations and projects. He then moved to BP where he worked for 21 years in operational and management roles in Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, the U.S. and the U.K.

“The board is very pleased to welcome Felipe Bayon to GeoPark,” said Sylvia Escovar, chair of GeoPark’s board of directors. “We believe he will be a catalyst to unlock the abundant opportunities in our region and drive us to transformational growth. Felipe is a true explorer, operator and consolidator—in line with GeoPark’s founding vision—and is committed to taking us forward to achieve our long-term strategic goals and make GeoPark into a larger, stronger and more successful company.”

Ocampo, who served as GeoPark CEO for three years and CFO for over eight years, will continue to support the company during the transition, the company said.

“It’s been a privilege and joy to be part of the GeoPark story for all these years,” Ocampo said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with and learn from so many exceptional people, and proud of what we have achieved together.”

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