3 Bear Energy Hires Craig Harris To Replace CEO Bob Clark

After more than 40 years of success in the industry, Bob Clark, founder of 3 Bear Energy LLC, has decided to step down from his role as CEO.

On Oct. 24, 3Bear said Craig Harris, currently COO of Enable Midstream Partners LP, had been hired to serve as the Denver-based company’s next CEO. In an earlier release, Enable had revealed Harris was leaving his post at the company to lead a privately-held midstream energy company, though didn’t disclose its name.

3Bear, which focuses on developing midstream infrastructure for Permian producers, will be the fourth successful endeavor for Clark. He is set to remain chairman of 3Bear’s board of directors.

Clark’s previous ventures include the creation, operation and profitable sale of three midstream operators—Bear Paw Energy LLC, Bear Cub Energy LLC and Bear Tracker Energy LLC.

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According to Clark, his latest venture—3Bear—has grown into one of the premier midstream companies in the Delaware Basin and he is thrilled to be passing the reins over to a proven leader.

“Craig has a reputation for excellence in all facets of our business and I am confident his tremendous technical, managerial and commercial talents will further contribute to 3Bear’s success,” Clark said in a statement.

Harris will join 3Bear after spending nearly 30 years in the midstream industry.

For the bulk of his career—about 20 years—Harris worked at El Paso Corp. in roles of increasing responsibility. He also served in private equity as managing director at Alinda Capital Partners.

Harris joined Enable from Columbia Pipeline Group in September 2016. He has been in his current role as COO of Enable since Jan. 1, 2019. He had been promoted after serving as the Oklahoma City-based company’s chief commercial officer for more than two years.

Rod Sailor, Enable’s president and CEO, wished Harris the best in his new opportunity.

“Craig’s impact at Enable has been significant, and we appreciate the strong leadership he has provided as the company has achieved meaningful commercial and operational results,” Sailor said in a statement.

Harris will remain with Enable until Nov. 1, according to the company press release.

Founded in March 2013, 3Bear’s asset base in Lea and Eddy counties, N.M., has nearly 300,000 acres dedicated across crude, gas and water services in the Delaware Basin, according to Clark.

In late 2018, 3Bear announced expansion plans for its crude, gas and water gathering systems in the Northern Delaware Basin. With backing from long-term partner GSO Capital Partners LP, 3Bear said it is well capitalized and positioned to achieve that growth target.

In a statement, Michael Zawadzki, senior managing director and co-head of energy at GSO Capital Partners, noted that Harris is the “ideal person” to lead 3Bear in its next phase of growth.

Today, 3Bear operates over 400 miles of crude, gas and water pipelines, 120,000 barrels of crude storage, multiple saltwater disposal wells and water recycling facilities, and a 60 million cubic feet per day cryogenic processing plant.

“I am eager to join the exceptional 3 Bear team and build upon their recent achievements. ...  I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue growing 3Bear’s assets and finding new ways to serve our customers,” Harris said in a statement.