SM Energy Co. announced that its board of directors has promoted Javan D. Ottoson to president of the company. Ottoson will continue to serve as the company’s chief operating officer, a position he has held since December 2006.

Anthony J. Best, formerly president, will continue to serve as the company’s chief executive officer and as a member of its board of directors.

Ottoson joined the company in December 2006 as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining the company, he held various management and operational positions with ARCO and Unocal/Pure Resources, including president and resident manager of ARCO China and commercial director of ARCO’s U.K. North Sea operations.

Ottoson has over 30 years of experience in the energy industry. He graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1980 with a bachelor of science degree in chemical and petroleum refining engineering.