The American Petroleum Institute (API) on Jan. 22 appointed Phillips 66 Chairman and CEO Greg Garland as chairman of API’s board of directors.

Greg Garland (Source: Phillips 66 Co.)
Greg Garland (Source: Phillips 66 Co.)

Garland will assume the role from Darren Woods, chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp., during what he called a “transformative era” for the oil and gas industry.

“The challenges and opportunities facing the industry have never been greater, and technological innovation is driving unprecedented change for the better,” Garland said in a statement. “I’m honored to lead API’s board during such a dynamic time for the industry and look forward to working together to build on our nation’s energy progress.”

A chemical engineer, Garland has more than 30 years of industry experience in technical and executive leadership positions within the oil, natural gas and chemicals industries. His career also includes executive positions at ConocoPhillips Co. and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., which is now a joint venture between Phillips 66 and Chevron Corp.

He began his career as a project engineer with Phillips in 1980 for the Plastics Technical Center.

Commenting on Garland’s appointment, API President and CEO Mike Sommers said: “API is extremely fortunate to have Greg’s expertise as the natural gas and oil industry continues to address the challenge of meeting growing energy demand while driving environmental progress.”

API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. Today, the trade association represents more than 600 members representing all segments of the oil and gas industry in the U.S.

For his two-year term as board chairman, Garland will also remain a member of API’s executive committee. He recently served the API board as chair of the finance committee.