# Ecopetrol leadership crisis and restructuring

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ecopetrol-leadership-crisis-and-restructuring
> Updated: 2026-09-17T15:18:58.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Juan Carlos Hurtado resigned as acting president of the Colombian state-owned oil company Ecopetrol following the emergence of a controversial audio recording. The recording allegedly involved discussions regarding potential million-dollar contracts, appointments, and business dealings related to Venezuela.

In response to the resulting institutional and reputational crisis, Carlos Suárez was unanimously elected as the new president of the Ecopetrol Board of Directors. Supported by vice president Claudia Lafaurie, Suárez has implemented a strategic roadmap focused on crisis management, the recovery of institutional trust, fiscal control, and market value strategy to stabilize the company.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Carlos Suárez elected president of Ecopetrol Board of Directors

Carlos Suárez has been elected president of Ecopetrol’s Board of Directors to lead a recovery plan focused on fiscal control, corporate governance, and restoring market confidence.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlos-surez-elected-president-of-ecopetrol-board-of-directors

### 2026-09-14: Ecopetrol president Juan Carlos Hurtado resigns amid controversy

Juan Carlos Hurtado has resigned as acting president of Ecopetrol amid controversy involving leaked audio regarding potential contracts and appointments. Camilo Barco will take over the role.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecopetrol-president-juan-carlos-hurtado-resigns-amid-controversy

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Cite as: Ecopetrol leadership crisis and restructuring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ecopetrol-leadership-crisis-and-restructuring