Energy Industry Focused

Some business executives wind up at the top of the heap by joining a company after having had a stellar career in another company which may not even be in the same industry.  For others they reach the top by being in the same industry for quite some time. They have the advantage of having a deep understanding of the industry.

The latter is the case with Ryan M. Lance who is chairman and CEO of ConocoPhillips since May 2012. In fact his college degree would tell you his dead set intention of being part of the energy industry. Lance graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering from Montana Tech in Butte. The same year he graduated, he joined ARCO.

Lance spent 17 years of his career at ARCO. He held a number of management, engineering and operations positions in Alaska, the U.S. Lower 48, and globally. Lance reached the position of vice president of Western North Slope operations in Alaska.  As fate would have it this was bought by Philips in 2001.

Changes in ownership could adversely affect employees in the acquired company. For Lance it opened more doors. Lance became the general manager of the Lower 48 and Canadian operations for Philips in 2001. This position took him back to Houston.  He became vice president of Lower 48 in 2002. More promotions came in the way. Lance was responsible for Asia Pacific exploration and production in 2003 and was appointed as president of downstream strategy, integration and specialty function in 2005.

After more promotions and increasing responsibilities Lance was promoted to senior vice president, Exploration & Production-International in May 2009. Having climbed the corporate latter and a good grasp of the company he was appointed chairman and CEO in May 2012.

ConocoPhillips is the product of two companies Conoco and Phillips Petroleum. The two companies merged in Augusto 30, 2002. This is now the third-largest energy company in the U.S. Leading this giant is Lance with more than 28 years of oil and natural gas industry experience.