SM Energy appointed Tom Morrow vice president of operations support, Richard Jenkins vice president of operations and Susie Piehl vice president of human resources, according to a press release on Dec. 21.

These appointments follow the retirements of Newt Newton, senior vice president of operations, and Candace Lyon, vice president of human resources, effective Jan. 1. They will both remain with SM in advisory roles until July 1, 2023.

"Newt joined SM Energy in 2006, overseeing Midland Basin assets until 2020 when he assumed responsibility for company-wide operations," CEO Herb Vogel commented. "He was a key player in greatly expanding the company's Midland Basin asset position. He was also a leader in ensuring safe and environmentally sound operations and in building the premier operator status that we enjoy today."

"Candace joined SM Energy in 2007 and has led the human resources team since 2017," he conintued. "Candace has been a proponent of leadership development programs, available to all employees, that have become a cornerstone of our strong SM Energy culture."

Morrow, Jenkins and Piehl will begin their new roles on Jan. 1, the same day their predecessors will retire.

As a 16-year company veteran, Morrow will be in charge of the Midland office, as well as operations planning, field EHS and regulatory compliance, facility engineering, supply chain management and measurement as vice president of operations.

Jenkins has been with SM for 12 years and will oversee the company's drilling, completion and production operations.

Piehl will assume responsibility for the company's human resources department. She has been with SM Energy for 13 years.