#United States #Houston #Leadership Changes #Lime Rock Partners #Benjamin Burns

Lime Rock Partners' Leadership Transition

Lime Rock Partners, a prominent player in the upstream energy sector, recently announced significant changes within its leadership team. Benjamin Burns has been elevated to the position of Managing Director, joining a select group of leaders who will shape the firm's strategic direction. This decision underscores the firm’s commitment to recognizing talent and fostering growth within its ranks.

Background of the Promotion

Benjamin Burns has been with Lime Rock since 2014, starting his journey as an associate. Prior to joining Lime Rock, he honed his skills at Barclays, where he worked as an analyst in their global energy division. Over the years, Burns has demonstrated exceptional leadership and investment aptitude, particularly in relation to key portfolios such as CrownQuest. His role has been pivotal in driving the growth and exit strategies for subsidiaries like CrownRock and Basin.

Jeffrey Scofield, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, praised Burns and his colleague Andrew Gautier-Winther, who was promoted in 2024, for their significant contributions to the firm. "Their persistent dedication and extensive knowledge have not only fostered enduring relationships within the energy sector but have also made them indispensable to our team," Scofield said.

A Fond Farewell

In tandem with these promotions, Lime Rock Partners also bids farewell to Will Franklin, who has retired after 16 years as a managing director. Franklin, who joined the firm when it consisted of just 12 employees, played a vital role in driving investments across various sectors, particularly in exploration and production, as well as oilfield services. His leadership in notable investments such as GEODynamics and UTEC has left an indelible mark on the firm.

John Reynolds, co-founder of Lime Rock, expressed his gratitude for Franklin's contributions over the years. "Will has been a fundamental pillar of Lime Rock's journey. While his departure is bittersweet, we are excited to see him dedicate more time to public service and community engagement," Reynolds commented.

Looking Ahead

Since its inception in 1998, Lime Rock Management has successfully raised over $10 billion across private equity funds targeting the energy industry. Its strategies include Lime Rock Partners, focused on collaborating with growth capital investors in exploration and production companies; Lime Rock Resources, which manages oil and gas properties; and Lime Rock New Energy, aimed at fostering innovation within the energy transition.

Through these strategies, Lime Rock Partners not only invests in established operators but also collaborates closely with entrepreneurs, bringing together a wealth of operational excellence, finance expertise, and innovative approaches to support its portfolio companies.

As the energy sector continues to evolve, the leadership transitions at Lime Rock Partners signal a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of the market while maintaining a strong commitment to fostering internal talent and driving operational growth in a competitive landscape. For more insights on their investment strategies and the future of energy, you can visit their official website.