Shell to lay off 698 employees; Halliburton reduces workforce in Venezuela

S&P Global Market Intelligence presents a weekly rundown of recent executive management, board and regulatory changes in the energy industry. The moves are listed by sector in reverse chronological order.

Power

* Duke Energy Corp. named Jack Sullivan vice president of investor relations effective Jan. 4, according to a same-day news release. He succeeds Bryan Buckler.

* Solar Alliance Energy Inc. appointed CEO Michael Clark as the new chairman of the board of directors effective Dec. 31, 2020. Clark replaces Jason Bak, who resigned to pursue other opportunities.

* Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP appointed David Krant as its new CFO effective March 1. He will replace Bahir Manios, who will take on the role of chief investment officer of Brookfield Asset Management Inc.'s reinsurance business.

* Otter Tail Corp. named Devin Scott vice president of internal audit and business risk management, according to a Dec. 30, 2020, news release.

* Pacific Gas and Electric Co. named Sumeet Singh as interim president and chief risk officer effective Jan. 1.

* Exelon Corp. subsidiary Commonwealth Edison Co. director Steven Crown plans to leave after the next election of directors in 2021.

* Atlantic Power Corp.'s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Jeffrey Levy resigned from the company effective Jan. 1, according to a Dec. 29, 2020, SEC filing.

Oil and gas utility/midstream

* Royal Dutch Shell PLC is reportedly planning to lay off 698 workers as it shuts down its oil refinery in Convent, La.

* Halliburton Co. decreased its staff in Venezuela after the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a new license in April 2020 that significantly restricted the company's activities in the country.

* Santos Ltd. appointed Yujiang "Eugene" Shi as an independent nonexecutive director effective Dec. 31, 2020. Shi replaced Yu Guan, who retired the same day.

Regulator

* California Gov. Gavin Newsom reappointed Marybel Batjer president of the state Public Utilities Commission.