Jack Gerard to Step Down as Head of API

The longtime president and CEO of the powerful American Petroleum Institute, Jack Gerard, has announced that he will step down when his current contract ends this August. 

“Serving the oil and natural gas industry during this historic time, when an American energy renaissance has made the U.S. the world’s leading producer and refiner of oil and natural gas, has been among the most fulfilling professional experiences of my career,” said Gerard. “I have served for 10 years at API . . . I’m ready for my next challenge and want to ensure that API will have time for an orderly transition to plan for its next decade.”

Gerard did not immediately announce plans for his next endeavor, but he leaves the United States' biggest oil and gas association in a position of strength. The group's membership has grown by 50 percent, and it now represents over 600 firms from across the spectrum of oil and gas activity. In addition, after years of battling the previous administration's regulatory efforts, API can work with a pro-energy White House that is acting quickly on oil industry regulatory priorities from natural gas extraction to OCS leasing. 

"Jack has been an extraordinary leader for the oil and natural gas industry during a time of challenge and opportunity,” said ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods in a statement. “He has unified our industry, expanded our global reach, heightened our effectiveness, and navigated a number of significant public policy challenges to a successful conclusion, [including] the end of the crude oil export ban [and] the preservation of a pro-development and refining tax and regulatory framework.”

Gerard joined API after serving in a similar capacity at the American Chemistry Council and the National Mining Association. He also co-founded the lobbying company McClure, Gerard & Neuenschwander (or MGN) with mentor Senator James A. McClure, and he worked in the U.S. Senate and House for nearly a decade. He holds a law degree from George Washington University.