Lawler brings more than 30 years of experience in the energy sector, with a distinguished track record across each of the positions he has held. Most recently, he served as Chairman and President of BP America, which accounted for nearly 40% of corporate global revenue. While at BP America, Lawler spearheaded the formation and implementation of an integrated strategy to achieve net-zero production by 2050. In addition, he served as CEO of BPX Energy, BP's onshore unconventional and midstream business. He led the US$10.5 billion acquisition of BHP's onshore assets, BP's largest acquisition in more than 20 years, and built a world class operating team that delivered significant y/y improvements, including growing production over 125% while significantly reducing emissions in the Permian Basin.
To further accelerate KTG's growth trajectory, Kimmeridge also announced the closing of a follow-on control investment in Commonwealth LNG. The funding will support a 9.5 million tpy LNG export facility in Cameron, Louisiana, through anticipated final investment decision (FID) in 1H25, and will raise Kimmeridge's equity ownership in Commonwealth to over 90%.
Ben Dell, Managing Partner of Kimmeridge and Director at KTG, said: “We welcome David to the KTG team as it enters a compelling new era of growth, while accelerating carbon neutrality through the development of environmentally-responsible, low-cost energy assets. David has shaped and led large scale, best-in-class operations that align with Kimmeridge's commitment to enhancing capital efficiency and reaching net-zero operations. Additionally, we would like to thank Mike Wieland for all his contributions as CEO of KTG since September 2022, helping to build it into the high-quality, scaled asset it is today.”
Dell continued: “We are excited to take a controlling interest in Commonwealth LNG as we integrate our business from well-head to water, and look forward to the completion of a best-in-class LNG export facility in Louisiana.”
Farhad Ahrabi, Commonwealth CEO and President, added: “We are delighted to integrate into the Kimmeridge team as we work towards FID in 2025. Kimmeridge shares our vision of bringing a differentiated offering to the LNG market, and we look forward to commencing delivery to our customers in 2028.”
David Lawler, CEO of KTG, concluded: “I am very pleased to join the KTG team and look forward to advancing the Company's plans of becoming a fully integrated provider of LNG from well-head to water, including through our expanded partner-ship with Commonwealth, with an option for net zero cargoes. When produced responsibly, LNG is a reliable, easily accessible energy source. In the future, KTG will export clean energy across the world, helping economies accelerate their transition ambitions.”
