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Phillips 66 includes brand-new director with Elliott's approval

Phillips 66 said on Tuesday it has appointed energy market veteran Robert Pease to its board after activist investor Elliott Financial investment Management advised the U.S. oil refiner and pipeline operator to overhaul its board.

Phillips 66 had come under fire from Elliott for its refining operations, in a letter in November in which it revealed a $1 billion stake in the business. The activist investor slammed the company's refining operations and urged it to add directors with refining experience.

On Tuesday, the business, which is valued at $64 billion, said Pease will sign up with the board immediately and that it will work with Elliott to identify a 2nd director that both sides are delighted with in the coming months. The board now has 14 directors, consisting of 12 who are independent.

Its stock cost inched up modestly to trade at $144.62. on a day the more comprehensive stock exchange was falling.

Before Elliott's letter, revealed in late November,. Phillips 66 stock was up 8.3% from a year previously, compared with. a 21.5% gain at larger rival Marathon Petroleum throughout. the same period.

To attend to concerns, Phillips 66 executives had actually currently laid. out a strategy to enhance returns by cutting costs. The refiner is. anticipated to sell or spin off $3 billion in properties.

We have worked collaboratively with Phillips 66 on the. board's consultation of Bob, who will bring substantial experience. in refining and the energy industry more broadly, Elliott. partner John Pike and senior portfolio Supervisor Mike Tomkins said. in a declaration.

Pease's refining management, experience and energy. competence will contribute to the board's oversight of the company as we. advance our strategic top priorities and provide long-term,. sustainable worth, Greg Garland, executive chairman of the. board said in a declaration.

Phillips 66 CEO Mark Lashier has actually set enthusiastic targets for. the company and its stock price has actually climbed 23% given that November. Elliott said in November that it might see the share cost. reaching $200 a share, with improvements.

Elliott, meanwhile, has actually not been restricted in trading. the business's stock and could, in theory contribute to its position.

The hedge fund has a history of making long-lasting bets on. energy business, consisting of at Marathon Petroleum where Elliott. Pushed for modifications in a letter released in 2016.

Pease has nearly 4 decades of experience in the. energy market. At Cenovus Energy, he was the. president of its U.S. downstream company.

(source: Reuters)