OKLAHOMA CITY – Expand Energy Corp., formerly known as Chesapeake Energy, announced plans Monday to relocate its corporate headquarters from Oklahoma City to Houston in mid-2026.
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 ocials said.
The relocation, which will focus primarily on the executive leadership team, “will strengthen Expand Energy’s relationships with key industry and commercial partners in support of the company’s long-term growth objectives,” the company stated in a press release.
Expand Energy is the largest natural gas producer in North America.
The Expand announcement came one week a r Devon Energy announced its merger with Coterra Energy and plans to move its headquarters to Houston.
“Today’s announcement from Expand Energy, so soon a r last week’s Devon Energy news, is a tough one for Oklahoma and a reminder that competition for businesses, headquarters, and executive leadership is real,” said Chad Warmington, president of the State Chamber of Oklahoma.
“We appreciate Expand’s commitment to maintaining a significant workforce and operational presence in Oklahoma City, even as executive leadership relocates, and we know Oklahoma’s energy talent will remain central to its success,” Warmington said.
“Moments like this underscore why our Oklahoma Competes initiative is more important than ever. As the energy sector grows more ecient and its workforce evolves, Oklahoma must strive to become the most competitive state in the nation for adding advanced-industry jobs that build on our strengths and drive the next era of our growth. We have the assets to win, but only if we stay aggressive in the competition.”
Expand Energy also announced leadership changes, effective immediately. Michael Wichterich, chairman of the board, has been appointed interim president and chief executive ocer, succeeding Domenic (Nick) J. Dell’Osso Jr.
Dell’Osso stepped down as a director of the board and will serve as an external adviser for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition.
The board is commencing a search for a permanent CEO, Expand reported.
“During Dell’Osso Jr.’s 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, Wichterich said. “We are grateful for his leadership in setting a strong foundation for our future.”
The company’s new headquarters, supported by “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,” Wichterich said. “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.”
Expand Energy will report its fourth quarter and full year 2025 operational and financial results, as well as its 2026 outlook,after market close on Feb. 17.
A conference call to discuss the results has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Eastern on Feb. 18.