ConocoPhillips Co. (NYSE: COP) this week announced an executive leadership realignment following the retirement of Al Hirshberg after eight years with the Houston-based company.

Al Hirshberg, Matt Fox and Don Wallette Jr. (Source: ConocoPhillips Co.)

Hirshberg, ConocoPhillips’ executive vice president of production, drilling and projects, is retiring after more than 35 years in the oil and gas industry. He played a “valuable role” in ConocoPhillips’ launch as an independent E&P, CEO Ryan Lance said in a statement.

In conjunction with the retirement, ConocoPhillips said Oct. 31 it will name Matt Fox as executive vice president and COO. In addition, Don Wallette Jr.’s title with the company has changed to executive vice president and CFO from his current role as executive vice president of finance, commercial and CFO.

Fox, who is currently executive vice president of strategy, exploration and technology at ConocoPhillips, has more than 30 years of industry experience in a broad range of technical and leadership roles. Previously, he led ConocoPhillips’ exploration and production operations from 2012-2016.

Wallette has more than 30 years of experience and has served in several technical and leadership roles in ConocoPhillips, including leading the company’s business development function from 2012-2016.

Fox, who will now take on the responsibility of ConocoPhillips’ worldwide E&P operations plus corporate planning and technology, as well as Wallette will continue to report to Lance.

In the U.S., ConocoPhillips has been focusing on production from the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford and Bakken—what the company calls its “Lower 48 Big 3.“ The company also has projects in Canada, Europe, North Africa, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

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The appointments of Fox and Wallette will take effect Jan. 1. Hirshberg will remain in his current position until that date to provide support during the transition of his responsibilities, the company release said.