Alta Mesa Resources named James Hackett, currently the executive chairman of the board, as interim CEO following the resignations of Harlan H. Chappelle, president and CEO, and Michael E. Ellis, vice president and chief operating officer-upstream, effective 26 December 26. Chappelle and Ellis will also resign as members of the company's board of directors, effective immediately.
The company has entered into an agreement with Meridian Energy LLC, which is led by Randy L. Limbacher, John H. Campbell, and Mark P. Castiglione. Meridian is a private equity portfolio advisory company. Limbacher will serve as the president, Campbell will serve as the chief operating officer (COO)-upstream, and Castiglione will serve as the chief of staff to the president, on a consulting basis.
Limbacher, Campbell, and Castiglione have worked with Riverstone Holdings LLC since June 2017. Limbacher previous experience includes serving in chairman, CEO, COO, and EVP roles in various E&P companies such as Samson Resources, Rosetta Resources, ConocoPhillips, and Burlington Resources. Campbell's prior experience includes serving as president and other senior executive positions at Quantum Resources and Ocean Energy. Castiglione's served in senior executive positions at Quantum Resources and El Paso Corp.
Michael A. McCabe remains vice president and chief financial officer at Alta Mesa Resources, as a search continues for his replacement.