Expand Energy任命前Chord Energy CEO Danny Brown为新任总裁兼CEO，10月26日生效

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
October 16, 2026
EXPAND ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its Charter)
Oklahoma
001-13726
73-1395733
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
10000 Energy Drive
Spring
Texas
77389
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(
346
)
535-0990
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K
filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
¨
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
Trading
Symbol
Name
of each exchange on which
registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
EXE
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
¨
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain
Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
The Board of Directors (the “Board”)
of Expand Energy Corporation (the “Company”) has appointed Daniel E. Brown as the Company’s President and Chief Executive
Officer, effective as of the commencement of his employment, which is anticipated to occur October 26, 2026 (the “Effective Date”).
Mr. Brown, age 51, most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Chord Energy Corporation from July 2024 until October
2026 and as Chief Executive Officer of Oasis Petroleum, Inc., Chord’s predecessor, from April 2021 until July 2024. Prior to that,
he served in various roles of increasing responsibility at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and its predecessor, Kerr-McGee Corporation,
from 1998 until Anadarko was acquired by Occidental Petroleum Corporation, including as Executive Vice President, U.S. Onshore Operations;
Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President, International and Deepwater Operations; Vice President, Operations (Southern and Appalachia);
and Vice President, Corporate Planning. Mr. Brown currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Beacon Offshore Energy, LLC,
a position he has held since 2020, and previously served as a member of the board of directors of Chord Energy Corporation and its predecessor
from 2021 until 2026, Oasis Midstream Partners LP from 2021 until 2022, Western Midstream Partners, LP in 2019 and Western Gas Equity
Partners, LP and Western Gas Partners, LP from 2017 until 2019. Mr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas
A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from Rice University.
In connection with his appointment as President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Company and Mr. Brown entered into an offer of employment (the “CEO Offer Letter”).
Pursuant to the CEO Offer Letter, Mr. Brown’s annual base salary will be $1,000,000 per year, with an annual cash performance bonus
target of 125% of his annual base salary (the “Annual Target Bonus”), which bonus will be earned based on the achievement
of certain performance goals established by the Board or the Compensation Committee, with the Annual Target Bonus paid at target achievement
with respect to 2026. Mr. Brown will also participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program, pursuant to which his annual
long-term incentive award will be delivered 30% in restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and 70% in performance share units (“PSUs”)
with an aggregate target value of $8,750,000 calculated as set forth in the CEO Offer Letter, which amount will be prorated with respect
to 2026.
In connection with his appointment, Mr. Brown
will also receive a make-whole equity award (the “Make Whole Award”) granted under the Company’s long-term incentive
plan, which will consist of RSUs with a target value of $4,726,662 (the “Make Whole RSUs”) and PSUs with a target value of
$10,925,584 (the “Make Whole PSUs”), with such values determined as set forth in the CEO Offer Letter. The Make-Whole Award
is intended to compensate Mr. Brown for compensation forfeited at his prior employer. The Make Whole RSUs are scheduled to vest in equal,
one-third installments on each of December 31, 2027, December 31, 2028 and December 31, 2029. The Make Whole PSUs will vest in equal parts
based on the achievement of total shareholder return metrics over three overlapping performance periods beginning with the third quarter
of 2026 and ending December 31, 2028, December 31, 2029 and December 31, 2030, respectively; provided, that the Make Whole Award is subject
to accelerated vesting upon Mr. Brown’s Qualifying Termination. A “Qualifying Termination” will occur if Mr. Brown ceases
to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company due to the Company’s termination of his employment without cause
or his resignation for good reason following the effective date of his appointment.
Mr. Brown will be a Tier 1 participant in the
Company’s Executive Severance Plan that was previously filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025 as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Mr. Brown’s incentive compensation will be subject to the Company’s
clawback policies applicable to all executive officers of the Company in effect from time to time and applicable law.
The Company will also enter into a standard Indemnity
Agreement with Mr. Brown, a form of which was previously filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025 as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Pursuant to this agreement, subject to the exceptions and limitations
provided therein, the Company will indemnify Mr. Brown for obligations he may incur in his capacity as an officer and director, as authorized
by the Company’s restated certificate of incorporation.
The Company is not aware of any arrangement or
understanding between Mr. Brown and any other person pursuant to which he was appointed as an officer or director. Mr. Brown does not
have any family relationships with any of the Company’s directors or executive officers or a direct or indirect material interest
in any transaction or series of similar transactions that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Upon the commencement of Mr. Brown’s employment,
Michael Wichterich will cease to serve as the Company’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, but he will continue to serve
as the Company’s Chairman of the Board. Mr. Wichterich’s transition was planned and not the result of any disagreement with
the Company on any matter relating to the operations, policies or practices of the Company. There are no severance or transition payments
to Mr. Wichterich as part of his interim position ceasing other than Mr. Wichterich will be entitled to retain a pro-rata portion of his
2026 long-term incentive award based on the number of days served during the one-year period following the grant date, subject to his
retention of a minimum number of RSUs and PSUs with an aggregate grant date fair value of $1,000,000, consistent with the terms of his
“Qualifying Termination” entitlements, as described in the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2026.
In connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, the
Board has also elected Mr. Brown to serve as a member of the Board as of the Effective Date, to serve until the Company’s next annual
meeting of stockholders. Mr. Brown has not been appointed to any committees of the Board at this time. As an employee director, Mr. Brown
will not receive separate compensation for Board service.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On October 19, 2026, the Company issued a press
release announcing the appointment of Mr. Brown as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. A copy of the press release is
attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference. The information contained in this press release is being furnished
and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”) or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall
be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number
Description
99.1
Press Release dated October 19, 2026.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
EXPAND ENERGY CORPORATION
By:
/s/ CHRIS LACY
Chris Lacy
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Date: October 19, 2026

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EX-99.1
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tm2627775d1_ex99-1.htm
EXHIBIT 99.1
Exhibit 99.1
NEWS
RELEASE
Expand Energy Corporation Names
Danny Brown
President and Chief Executive Officer
Proven energy leader to head
North America’s leading integrated natural gas company
SPRING,
Texas
– October 19, 2026 – Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: EXE) (“Expand Energy” or the “Company”),
the largest natural gas producer in North America, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has appointed
Daniel E. Brown as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 26. Brown will also be appointed to the Board. Michael
A. Wichterich, who has served as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer since February 2026, will return to his role as Non-Executive
Chairman of the Board.
“
With
deep industry experience, a proven track record of leading high-performing organizations through transformation, and a demonstrated ability
to create significant shareholder value, Danny is well positioned to help accelerate Expand Energy’s momentum and deliver as North
America’s leading integrated natural gas company,” said Chairman of the Board Michael A. Wichterich. “He will take a
company that is already North America’s largest producer and marketer of natural gas and make it even better. Danny is the right
leader at the right time to help Expand Energy deliver on its vast potential. The Board looks forward to him leading the next phase of
Expand Energy's journey, building on the strong foundation created by the talented people across our organization.”
“Expand
Energy is unmatched with its scaled portfolio of premier assets in the most important gas-producing regions, enhanced by a differentiated
commercial platform that serves customers from coast to coast,” said Chief Executive Officer Brown. “
The opportunity
ahead for value creation is significant. LNG exports, growing power demand and new industrial investment are creating a greater need for
reliable energy, and Expand Energy is uniquely positioned with the resources and capabilities to meet that need. I am honored the Board
has entrusted me to lead this high-potential company into its next era. Together, with the talented team at Expand Energy, I look
forward to turning the company’s competitive advantages into sustained, differentiated performance for our shareholders.”
Brown joins Expand Energy following
a successful tenure as President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors of Chord Energy (NASDAQ: CHRD). Under his
leadership, Chord successfully executed a strategic portfolio transformation that created significant shareholder value. A seasoned energy
executive with extensive experience across upstream and midstream operations, Brown spent nearly 20 years with Anadarko Petroleum, where
he held leadership roles spanning international and deepwater development, as well as U.S. onshore operations.
Brown’s appointment follows
a comprehensive search led by Expand Energy’s Board with the assistance of a leading search firm, evaluating both internal and external
candidates.
About Expand Energy
Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:
EXE) is North America’s leading integrated natural gas company reaching customers from coast to coast across the U.S. and Canada.
As the largest natural gas producer in the U.S., we are powered by innovative employees committed to expanding America’s energy
reach to fuel a more affordable, reliable, lower carbon future.
INVESTOR
CONTACT:
MEDIA
CONTACT:
EXPAND
ENERGY CORPORATION
Brittany Raiford
(405) 935-8870
ir@expandenergy.com
Meghan Macdonald
(346) 443-6419
media@expandenergy.com
10000 Energy
Drive
Spring, TX 77389
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements reflecting expectations, intentions,
assumptions or beliefs about future events and other statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking
statements often address our expected future business, financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as
"aim", "predict", "should", "expect," “could,” “may,” "anticipate,"
"intend," "plan," “ability,” "believe," "seek," "see," "will,"
"would," “estimate,” “forecast,” "target," “guidance,” “outlook,”
“opportunity” or “strategy.” The absence of such words or expressions does not necessarily mean the statements
are not forward-looking. Although we believe the expectations and forecasts reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable,
they are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our
control. No assurance can be given that such forward-looking statements will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate
or will not change over time. Particular uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed
in our forward-looking statements are described under Risk Factors in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For a discussion
of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are urged to refer to the Company’s filings with the SEC that are available
through the Company’s website at www.expandenergy.com or through EDGAR at www.sec.gov. We caution you not to place undue reliance
on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, which speak only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no
obligation and have no intention to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. We urge you to carefully review and
consider the disclosures in this release and our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and other
factors that may affect our business. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this
cautionary statement.
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