Rodney J. Eichler will retire at the end of June as Apache Corp.’s (APA) executive vice president and executive adviser to the CEO, the company said June 19.

Eichler had a 21-year career with the company, first joining in 1993 as regional exploration and development manager for the Rocky Mountain region in Denver.

In 2011, he became president and COO. Then he became CEO of Kitimat LNG (Upstream) until the company’s interests were sold in April this year.

He was also Egypt country manager—he moved to Egypt in 1997 as vice president of E&P, and 12 years later returned to Houston as COO and president for the international segment, Apache said.

Prior to joining Apache, Eichler was vice president of exploration for Axem Resources LLC in Denver. He also worked for Tenneco Oil Co.

At Apache, Eichler was chairman and a director of Springboard-Educating the Future, a nonprofit that funded construction of 200 schools for girls in Egypt's rural villages.

Eichler also served on the boards of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, the Australian American Chamber of Commerce, U.S.-Egypt Business Council and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

Eichler holds a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree from the Colorado School of Mines.

He is a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a certified professional geologist and a registered professional engineer in Texas.

"Throughout his career at Apache, Rod has demonstrated integrity and an enduring commitment to our company and our core values," said John J. Christmann IV, CEO and president.

"He has played a significant role in growing Apache's successful international businesses. In particular, he was instrumental in building Apache's position in Egypt's Western Desert. Rod has our highest respect for his dedication to Apache, and I know I speak for all my colleagues in wishing him well in retirement."

"Those of us who were privileged to work under Rod's leadership in Egypt owe him a debt of gratitude, and we will miss him greatly. He was not only an effective leader who built a world-class business, but a deeply caring person who built and fostered lasting relationships with his Egyptian employees, government partners and the local community," said Tom Maher, region vice president and general manager for Apache Egypt.

Houston-based Apache Corp. explores and produces oil and natural gas around the world.