Executive Appointment at Gulfport Energy

Nick Dell’Osso, the former CEO of Expand Energy, has been appointed as the new president and chief executive of Gulfport Energy, an Oklahoma City-based shale gas producer. His appointment takes effect on May 28. Dell’Osso’s abrupt departure from Expand Energy in February was partly attributed to his unwillingness to relocate to Houston, as the company moved its headquarters from Oklahoma City to better capitalize on booming natural gas markets.

Market and Company Performance

Following the announcement, Expand Energy’s shares fell more than 2.6% in early trading on Wednesday and have declined over 11% since the start of 2026. Gulfport’s shares also dropped more than 6% on Wednesday. Gulfport’s production operations are located in the Utica and Marcellus shales in eastern Ohio and the SCOOP play in Oklahoma, with approximately 262,000 net acres in Ohio and 74,000 net acres in the SCOOP play. The company produced nearly 1 billion cubic feet equivalent per day in the first quarter.

Leadership Perspectives

Gulfport board chair Timothy Cutt praised Dell’Osso as a “highly respected proven leader” with over two decades of energy industry experience and a track record of delivering attractive shareholder returns and navigating complex industry cycles. Dell’Osso expressed honor at the new role, highlighting Gulfport’s strong position with a high-quality asset base near growing demand centers, a robust balance sheet, and a talented team. He noted that the macro environment and the company’s unique attributes create a foundation for long-term success.

Transition and Interim Leadership

Gulfport’s previous CEO, John Reinhart, left the company in March without a stated reason. Following his departure, an Office of the Chairman was formed to temporarily lead the company, comprising board chair Timothy Cutt (former CEO from 2021 to 2023), CFO Michael Hodges, COO Matthew Rucker, and chief legal and administrative officer Patrick Craine. Once Dell’Osso’s tenure begins, these executives will return to their regular duties, and the Office of the Chairman will be dissolved.