Expand relocating headquarters to Houston
First there was Devon Energy. Now Expand Energy Corporation is leaving Oklahoma City to make its headquarters in Houston, Texas.
The company also removed its President Domenic (Nick) J. Dell’Osso, Jr. and replaced him.
Expand Energy, with the large campus in north Oklahoma City, made the announcement early Monday morning that it intended to relocate its corporate headquarters to Houston in mid-2026. Just as Devon did, Expand said the relocation will primarily focus on the executive leadership team, a move it contended will “strengthen Expand Energy’s relationships with key industry and commercial partners in support of the company’s long-term growth objectives.”
Expand claimed that Oklahoma City “will remain an important center of excellence for Expand Energy’s business and operations, and the company remains committed to supporting its Oklahoma City employees and the local community.”
Expand also removed Dell’Osso as President and Chief Executive Officer as well as a director of the board. The company said he will serve as an “external advisor” for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition. His temporary replacement is Michael Wichterich, Chairman of the Board.
The removal of Dell’Osso was so quick that the company removed his picture from the firm’s website identifying its officers.
“The Board is commencing a search for a permanent CEO with the assistance of an independent recruitment firm,” stated the company announcement.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Nick for his leadership and many contributions since first joining the company in 2008,” said Wichterich. “During his tenure as CEO, the Company has grown from a $5 billion business to a $26 billion investment-grade enterprise included in the S&P 500 Index. We are grateful for his leadership in setting a strong foundation for our future.”
It is the second time that Wichterich was named interim CEO of the company. He was also named the interim leader in 2021 when Doug Lawler resigned as CEO.
Wichterich continued, “Building on our positive momentum going into 2026, our new headquarters, supported by our outstanding teams in Oklahoma City and the field, will enable us to capitalize on Houston’s leading role as a gateway to the global natural gas market. As North America’s largest natural gas producer, this will accelerate our strategy to provide affordable, reliable, lower carbon energy to growing domestic and global markets.”
Dell’Osso said, “It has been a privilege to lead and work alongside the Expand Energy team as we have grown and evolved. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that Expand Energy will continue to thrive and support energy access for a more secure and sustainable future.”
Matt M. Gallagher, Lead Independent Director, said, “Mike is the right leader to step into the role of Interim CEO and maintain continuity while we make the strategic move to Houston. He knows our company deeply, has extensive relationships across the oil and gas industry, and is an entrepreneurial leader with a track record of success. The Board looks forward to working with Mike and the executive team to facilitate a smooth transition and continue to position the Company for long-term success.”
Wichterich has served as Chairman of Expand Energy’s Board of Directors since 2021, as well as Interim CEO from April to October 2021. He is the Founder and CEO of Three Rivers Operating Company LLC, a private exploration and production company with a focus in the Permian Basin. He has also served on the boards of multiple public and private companies.
As part of this announcement, the Company reaffirmed its synergy, capital and operating outlook for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 as set forth in its third quarter 2025 earnings announcement.