Expand Energy taps former Chord Energy chief Danny Brown as CEO

Expand Energy has found its permanent chief. The natural gas producer said Monday its board appointed Daniel E. "Danny" Brown, most recently the head of Chord Energy, as president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 26.

Brown will also join the board. Michael Wichterich, who has served as interim president and CEO since February 2026, will return to his role as non-executive chairman, according to the company's 8-K and press release.

The board said Brown was picked after a comprehensive search, assisted by a search firm, that weighed both internal and external candidates.

Who he is

Brown, 51, was president and CEO of Chord Energy from July 2024 until this month, and CEO of its predecessor, Oasis Petroleum, from April 2021 to July 2024, the filing shows. Before that he spent years at Anadarko Petroleum and its predecessor Kerr-McGee, including as executive vice president of U.S. onshore operations.

"The opportunity ahead for value creation is significant," Brown said in the release, adding that LNG exports, growing power demand and new industrial investment are "creating a greater need for reliable energy."

What he'll be paid

Brown's offer letter sets an annual base salary of $1 million and a target cash bonus of 125% of salary. His annual long-term incentive award carries a target value of $8.75 million, split 30% restricted stock units and 70% performance share units, prorated for 2026.

He will also receive a make-whole equity award to cover pay he forfeited at his prior employer: restricted stock units with a target value of $4,726,662 and performance share units valued at $10,925,584. The RSUs vest in thirds at the end of 2027, 2028 and 2029, while the PSUs depend on total shareholder return over three overlapping periods running through 2030, according to the 8-K.

Wichterich's transition was planned and not the result of any disagreement with the company, the filing says.

By the numbers

• Start date: Oct. 26, 2026
• Base salary: $1,000,000
• Target bonus: 125% of salary
• Annual long-term incentive target: $8.75 million
• Make-whole awards: about $15.7 million combined target value

Sources

1. Expand Energy Corporation, Form 8-K with Exhibit 99.1 press release, filed Oct. 19, 2026, accession 0001104659-26-116739

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