Mr Lightner will succeed Forrest Hoglund, who has decided to retire when his term expires in May 2008. Mr Hoglund has been a member of Forest’s board of directors since 2000 and its non-executive chairman since 2003.
Mr Lightner has been a member of Forest’s board since 2004 and serves as the chairman of the compensation committee. He is a partner and CEO of Orion Energy Partners, an oil and gas exploration and production company. He previously served in various capacities with Tom Brown, including serving as chairman of the board, CEO and president.
Prior to moving to Tom Brown, he was with EOG Resources. Mr Lightner also serves as a director of WH Energy Services, an oil field services company, and Cornerstone E&P Company, a private oil and gas exploration and production company.
Mr Lightner said: It is both an honor and a challenge to follow a chairman as knowledgeable as Forrest, who has done so much in setting a clear and rewarding path for our shareholders. We will miss his insights and leadership, but will continue to build on the success the company has achieved over his tenure.
