Ecopetrol appoints Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero as new president

Ecopetrol Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero oil and gas industry corporate leadership Colombia energy sector

The Ecopetrol Board of Directors has unanimously appointed Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero as the new president of the Colombian state-owned oil company. Gutiérrez is scheduled to officially assume his role on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Industry associations, including the Colombian Association of Engineers (ACIEM) and the Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP), have expressed support for the appointment. The new leadership faces several critical challenges, including the need to restore institutional reputation following recent corruption allegations, increasing hydrocarbon production, and advancing energy transition goals.

Reports indicate that the selection process did not utilize an external headhunting firm. While the company describes the appointment as part of a mission to lead a ‘rebirth’ of Ecopetrol, some observers note that Gutiérrez, a former campaign manager for President Abelardo de la Espriella, lacks direct experience in the hydrocarbons sector. His professional background is primarily in business administration, health management, and telecommunications.

Entities

Abelardo De La Espriella · Association of Colombian Engineers · Colombia · Ecopetrol · Joaquín Gutiérrez · Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero · La Silla Vacía · USO

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Oil production reached its lowest level in four years during the last quarter, totaling 705,000 barrels per day. laopinion.co
[● 2 SOURCES] The selection process for the new president did not utilize an external headhunting firm. www.boyacadigital.com
[DISPUTED] The Ecopetrol Board of Directors unanimously appointed Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero as the new president of Ecopetrol. www.minuto30.com · radionacional.co · www.elespectador.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Joaquín Gutiérrez lacks prior professional experience in the hydrocarbons or oil sector. www.boyacadigital.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The appointment follows an Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting held on September 15. radionacional.co
[● 4 SOURCES] Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero is scheduled to officially assume his role on Monday, September 28, 2026. www.minuto30.com · radionacional.co · www.elespectador.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ecopetrol reported a net profit of $6.1 trillion for the April-June period, a 235% increase from the previous year. laopinion.co
[● 4 SOURCES] The new administration's mission is to rebuild trust between the company, the state, workers, investors, and local communities. www.minuto30.com · radionacional.co · www.elespectador.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Ecopetrol Board of Directors held a session on September 24, 2026, to appoint the new president. radionacional.co
[● 4 SOURCES] The Ecopetrol Board of Directors unanimously designated Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero as the new president of Ecopetrol. www.minuto30.com · radionacional.co · www.elespectador.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The appointment follows several weeks of uncertainty regarding the company's leadership succession. www.elnuevosiglo.com.co
[● 2 SOURCES] Joaquín Gutiérrez lacks prior experience in the hydrocarbons or oil sector. www.boyacadigital.com