Preng & Associates Recruits CHRO for Caturus Energy
June 8, 2026 – 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 identify and secure a senior human resources leader with deep experience across large-scale energy organizations and complex workforce environments. Ms. Kenner brings more than 25 years of HR leadership experience across the energy sector.
“We are proud to have supported Caturus in securing a leader of Mary’s caliber at such a transformational stage in the company’s growth,” said David Preng, partner at Preng & Associates. “Her experience in aligning human capital strategy with large-scale infrastructure and energy operations positions her well to support the continued expansion of the platform.”
Ms. Kenner brings more than 25 years of HR leadership experience across the energy sector. Previously, she was senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Freeport LNG, leading the company’s HR and corporate administration functions and advising executive leadership on workforce strategy, compensation, employee relations, and leadership development. Prior to that, Ms. Kenner served as director of human resources at Swift Energy Company, where she led talent management, compensation, benefits, HR technology, organizational development, and large-scale change initiatives. Earlier in her career, she was human resource director at TXU Energy and human resource manager at Shell Trading, building expertise in recruitment, performance management, compliance, and strategic HR operations.
Preng & Associates previously partnered with Kimmeridge on the placement of CEO David Lawler in 2024, when the business operated as Kimmeridge Texas Gas prior to the launch of the Caturus platform. The placement helped support the company’s strategy of building an integrated natural gas and LNG business with a differentiated wellhead-to-water model.
Caturus Energy is a Houston, TX-based private energy company focused on the development, production, and marketing of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Backed by investment firm Kimmeridge and other institutional investors, Caturus is focused on supplying domestic and international energy markets through its exploration, production, transportation, and LNG infrastructure operations.
Related: Preng & Associates Recruits CEO for Kimmeridge Texas Gas
Preng & Associates, founded in 1980, is the only retainer-based, international executive search firm specializing solely in the energy industry. The firm’s experience spans the entire energy value chain – from the well head to the wall socket. Its subsector verticals have specific expertise in oil and gas (upstream, midstream, and downstream), oilfield equipment and services, power and utilities, renewables, engineering and construction, and industrials. Preng & Associates has conducted more than 4,000 engagements for over 900 companies and placed individuals for board, executive management, and professional positions in 92 countries.
American Bureau of Shipping Search
Preng & Associates recently 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 leadership and deep expertise across shipbuilding, acquisition and fleet lifecycle management as well as marine safety, security and environmental protection for the maritime industry directly support ABS’ mission and long‑term strategic priorities.”
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Admiral Rábago retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as assistant commandant for engineering and logistics and chief engineer, following more than three decades of service. He has since held senior executive roles in the maritime and shipbuilding industry. He is a graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a bachelor of science in ocean engineering. He later earned master of science degrees in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, as well as a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
American Bureau of Shipping provides classification services to the marine, offshore, nautical systems, government, advisory services, and gas industries worldwide. The company was incorporated in 1862 and is based in Spring, TX, with representative offices worldwide.
Related: Preng & Associates Fills Senior Positions for Ring Energy
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
