Bogotá – September 24, 2026 -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) named Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero as permanent Chief Executive Officer, effective September 28, 2026, following a unanimous board vote.
Board replaces interim leadership with unanimous vote
The appointment ends the interim tenure of Camilo Barco, who steps down as CEO effective September 27, 2026. All members of Ecopetrol's Board of Directors participated in the vote, which followed a selection process run by the Board's Compensation, Nomination and Culture Committee under the company's Succession Policy.
Incoming CEO brings 30 years of cross-sector experience
Gutiérrez Caballero holds a degree in Business Administration and postgraduate specializations in Telecommunications Project Management, Telecommunications Law, and Healthcare Services Management. He has more than 30 years of professional experience, according to the company.
New chief tasked with stakeholder coordination amid sector pressure
The Compensation, Nomination and Culture Committee recommended a leader with strong stakeholder engagement and coordination capabilities to steer the company through what it described as a particularly challenging environment. Priorities for the new CEO include strengthening value creation, promoting transparent management practices, and improving engagement with the Colombian State, local communities, investors and employees.
Ecopetrol controls majority of Colombia's hydrocarbon output
Ecopetrol employs more than 19,000 people and accounts for over 60% of Colombia's hydrocarbon production, alongside leading positions in refining, petrochemicals and gas distribution. Through its 51.4% stake in ISA, the company operates in energy transmission, real-time grid management via XM, and the Barranquilla–Cartagena coastal highway concession.
International footprint spans Permian basin to Latin American power grids
Ecopetrol holds exploration and drilling operations in the Permian basin and Gulf of Mexico in the United States, as well as in Brazil and Mexico. Via ISA and its subsidiaries, the company holds power transmission positions in Brazil, Chile, Peru and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and telecommunications assets.