Preng & Associates, founded in 1980, is the only retainer-based, international executive search firm specializing solely in the energy industry. Our experience spans the entire energy value chain – from the well head to the wall socket. Our subsector verticals have specific expertise in Oil and Gas (Upstream, Midstream and Downstream), Oilfield Equipment and Services, Power & Utilities, Renewables, Engineering and Construction, and Industrials.
We have conducted more than 4,000 engagements for over 900 companies and placed highly qualified individuals for board, executive management, and professional positions in 92 countries. This global reach has resulted in developing contacts with numerous senior executives throughout the world who are valuable resources in conducting assignments. Our firm has earned a reputation for combining professional search disciplines with an in-depth understanding of the market in which it operates. Our meticulous analysis, research, and dissection of the global energy industry have enabled us to succeed in some of the industry’s most challenging and high profile searches. Additionally, we incorporated the proven Hogan Assessment platform into our process rigor to ensure cultural fit and aid in onboarding.
Preng & Associates is founded on the premise that our service is most effective when conducted by professionals with significant and direct experience in the energy field. Additionally, with firm-owned offices in Houston and London, we are able to effectively conduct global engagements.
As a member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants, we practice and promote its high standards of conduct and professionalism. Of note, David Preng has been recognized by Business Week among “The World’s 50 Most Influential Headhunters”.
We have developed a unique team of specialized professionals who possess global search expertise; comprehensive industry knowledge and relationships; a strong commitment to quality performance.
This dedication keeps us attuned to the energy industry’s activities, emerging trends and evolving leadership needs. We constantly monitor the leading energy companies and the people who shape their performance.
We remain dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of service excellence and, year after year, we have earned accolades from our clients for the quality of the candidates we recruit on their behalf.
Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His
Houston-based Preng & Associates has helped to recruit Jon Gribble as president of major projects and programs Americas of Worley. “I’m excited to begin a new chapter as president, major projects and programs, Americas at Worley,” Mr. Gribble said in a LinkedIn post. “Worley has a strong project delivery heritage and a clear commitment to serving customers across the
Houston-based Preng & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Travis Thomas as the new president and CFO for Pacific Coast Energy Company LP. Mr. Thomas brings more than 16 years of financial leadership experience in the oil and gas industry, with a proven track record supporting both public and private energy companies across upstream and midstream
Houston-based Preng & Associates has helped to recruit Mitchell Little as the new CEO of Jadestone Energy in Singapore. “We are very pleased that Mitch is joining Jadestone as CEO,” said Adel Chaouch, executive chairman of Jadestone. “He brings significant upstream operational and management experience from over three decades in the oil and gas industry with Marathon. His
Houston, TX – May 20, 2026 – Preng & Associates is pleased to announce the successful placement of Mary Kenner as Chief Human Resources Officer at Caturus Energy LLC, a rapidly growing integrated natural gas and LNG platform supported by a consortium of leading global investors, including Kimmeridge, Mubadala Energy, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), alongside participation from
February 23, 2026 — Jon Gribble has been named President of Major Projects and Programs Americas of Worley. Gribble brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), infrastructure development, and advanced technology markets. Preng & Associates assisted in this search. Gribble joins Worley following a distinguished nine-year tenure at Kiewit, where he most recently
Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSE American: REI) (“Ring” or the “Company”) today announced that Mr. Sundip (“Sonu”) Singh Johl will be joining the Company as its Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective February 27, 2026. Preng & Associates assisted in this search. Mr. Johl brings more than 20 years of experience across upstream oil and gas investment banking,
Houston, TX — January 2026 — Preng & Associates, a global executive search firm, assisted Pacific Coast Energy Company LP in the search and placement of Travis Thomas as Chief Financial Officer and President. Mr. Thomas brings more than 16 years of financial leadership experience in the oil and gas industry, with a proven track record supporting both public and private
2 June 2025 – Singapore: Jadestone Energy plc (AIM:JSE) (the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, “Jadestone” or the “Group”), an independent upstream production and development company focused on the Asia-Pacific region, announces the appointment of Thomas Mitchell (Mitch) Little as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) effective 1 June 2025. Preng & Associates, a global retained
Blogs:
Preng Conducts A Survey Of The Financial Community’s Opinion Of Energy Boards And Leadership Teams
Jozsef Marton Highlights Trends In Africa’s Oil And Gas Recruitment
The New Normal
Laura Preng Interviews With David Ramsden-Wood
Hart Energy Interview With David Preng: Energy Job Search Tips
COVID-19: A Message From Our President, David Preng
Energy Business Strategies: Composing The Board Of The Future
Recent Management and Board Appointments
The New Normal Will Require Diverse Thinking