Phillips 66 Appoints Sean Maher as Vice President of Investor Relations and Chief Economist; Jeff Dietert to Retire
Phillips 66 today announced a key leadership transition within its finance and investor relations team. Sean Maher has been appointed Vice President of Investor Relations and Chief Economist, effective October 1, 2025. Maher will succeed Jeff Dietert, who has elected to retire following an eight-year tenure with the company. This transition reflects Phillips 66’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with the investment community while continuing to provide robust, data-driven economic insights that inform both the company’s strategy and the wider energy sector.
Kevin Mitchell, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Phillips 66, commented on the appointment, stating, “We are pleased to have Sean step into this important role, bringing deep industry knowledge and extensive finance experience that will strengthen our engagement with the investment community. His expertise in energy markets and strategic financial planning will be invaluable as we continue to navigate an increasingly complex global energy landscape.”
Mitchell also paid tribute to Dietert’s contributions, saying, “We thank Jeff for his many contributions as a trusted voice to the investment community. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in building the credibility and transparency of our investor relations function. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
Sean Maher’s Background and Career Highlights
Sean Maher currently serves as Phillips 66’s chief economist, a position in which he has led the company’s global fundamental outlook and price forecasting initiatives. In this role, Maher has provided critical economic analyses that guide Phillips 66’s strategic planning, investment decisions, and market engagement. His forecasts and insights are widely recognized for their depth, accuracy, and practical application in both operational and financial contexts.
Maher brings nearly three decades of experience in energy finance and investment to his new role. Prior to joining Phillips 66 in 2024, he held senior positions at Morgan Stanley. There, he launched and led coverage of midstream and integrated natural gas companies and served as a senior member of the firm’s integrated oil and refining franchise. His work encompassed comprehensive market analyses, investment recommendations, and strategic advisory for both institutional and corporate clients, building his reputation as a leading voice in energy finance.
In addition to his experience at Morgan Stanley, Maher has served as a partner and senior portfolio manager for an energy-focused equity fund. He also co-founded Third Gear Investments, where he was instrumental in shaping investment strategies, conducting market research, and identifying growth opportunities in energy markets globally. Maher’s extensive experience in both institutional investment and corporate finance positions him well to bridge the gap between Phillips 66’s operational objectives and the expectations of its shareholders and the broader investment community.
Beyond his professional career, Maher has been actively involved in governance and community initiatives. He has served on public company boards, providing oversight and strategic guidance, and is engaged in several nonprofit and community organizations. His participation in these activities reflects a broader commitment to fostering sustainable growth, corporate responsibility, and industry leadership.
Jeff Dietert’s Legacy at Phillips 66
Jeff Dietert joined Phillips 66 in 2017, bringing with him a distinguished career in energy equity research. During his tenure, Dietert was instrumental in evolving Phillips 66’s investor relations function, helping to strengthen the company’s relationships with analysts, institutional investors, and shareholders. Under his leadership, Phillips 66’s transparency, communication practices, and engagement with the investment community saw significant enhancement, bolstering the company’s reputation in financial markets.
Dietert’s contributions went beyond traditional investor relations. He played a strategic role in guiding Phillips 66 through a dynamic period for the energy sector, which included market volatility, shifting commodity prices, and the global transition toward cleaner energy sources. His insights and guidance helped the company maintain credibility and trust among investors, analysts, and stakeholders, while also supporting Phillips 66’s broader business strategy.
Throughout his tenure, Dietert has been recognized for his professionalism, strategic vision, and dedication to fostering strong investor relationships. His retirement marks the conclusion of an impactful career at Phillips 66, and the company acknowledges his legacy as one of thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment to shareholder engagement.
Strategic Importance of the Role
The vice president of investor relations and chief economist is a critical role at Phillips 66, reflecting the company’s emphasis on robust financial communication and strategic economic planning. In this dual-capacity position, Maher will be responsible for overseeing the company’s investor relations strategy, engaging with shareholders and analysts, and providing economic insights that inform both internal decision-making and external communication.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and global shifts in supply and demand, Phillips 66 recognizes the importance of strong leadership in both investor relations and economic analysis. Maher’s appointment signals the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining transparent, informed, and proactive engagement with the investment community, while ensuring that strategic decisions are guided by rigorous economic analysis.
