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.
Following a comprehensive executive search, Houston-based Preng & Associates assisted in the recruitment of David French as the new president of SOGC, LLC. “Preng & Associates is proud to have supported this important leadership appointment and continues to partner with energy companies worldwide in identifying and securing transformative executive talent,” the firm said. Mr. French brings
Houston-based Preng & Associates has recruited Mary Kenner as chief human resources officer at Caturus Energy LLC. The completion of the executive search comes at a pivotal moment for Caturus, as the company advances its ambition to build the nation’s leading independent integrated natural gas and LNG business through its differentiated wellhead-to-water strategy. Preng & Associates partnered with Caturus to
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
AUSTIN, Texas – The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Board of Directors has selected Rudy D. Garza as LCRA’s 12th General Manager, effective July 20, 2026, following a nationwide executive search conducted by Preng & Associates. A Texas native with 30 years of utility leadership experience, Garza joins LCRA from CPS Energy in San Antonio, where he currently serves as
Houston, TX — [July 14, 2026] — Preng & Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of David L. French as President of SOGC, LLC, where he will lead the company’s upstream oil and gas portfolio. Mr. French brings more than three decades of experience in the energy industry, with a distinguished career spanning executive leadership, upstream operations, business
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
Net Power Inc. (NYSE: NPWR) (“Net Power” or the “Company”) announced Lee Shuman as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective April 13, 2026. Preng & Associates assisted in this search. “I am pleased to welcome Lee Shuman to the Net Power team,” shared Net Power’s Chief Executive Officer, Danny Rice. “As part of our strategic pivot to be
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
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