Williams Appoints Larry Larsen as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Williams (NYSE: WMB), a leading natural gas company, announced today that Larry Larsen will step into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective May 3, 2025. In his new capacity, Larsen will oversee all aspects of the company’s transmission, storage, and gathering and processing operations. He will succeed Michael Dunn, who revealed his decision to retire from Williams last month after an extensive career with the company.
Leadership Change and Seamless Transition
Alan Armstrong, President and CEO of Williams, expressed his confidence in Larsen’s ability to lead the company through this significant transition. “Larry’s deep understanding of Williams’ operations and our natural gas-focused strategy make him the ideal candidate for our next COO, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in leadership,” Armstrong said. “He brings a depth of experience and knowledge that will allow us to continue optimizing our operations, enhancing Williams’ competitive advantage, and advancing the execution of our long-term growth strategy.”
Armstrong’s comments underscore the importance of ensuring that Williams’ operational leadership remains stable during a time of significant change. Larsen’s experience within the company, spanning a broad range of operational and strategic leadership roles, positions him well to lead the organization into its next phase of growth.
Larsen’s Extensive Background and Expertise
Larry Larsen’s career at Williams spans over two decades, beginning in 1999 when he first joined the company, working within the Northwest Pipeline franchise. Larsen’s deep involvement in various aspects of the company’s operations over the years has made him well-versed in the challenges and opportunities that exist within the natural gas industry. His experience includes leadership roles in several key operational and commercial areas, allowing him to acquire a broad understanding of the company’s strategy, business, and market landscape.
After his time in the Northwest Pipeline franchise, Larsen moved into various leadership roles. He served as Vice President of Central Services, where he led teams responsible for Williams’ supply chain, commodity services, NGL and gas marketing, measurement, and pipeline control functions. In this capacity, Larsen was responsible for overseeing vital aspects of the company’s operational and commercial infrastructure, ensuring the efficient management of resources, assets, and supply chains across the organization.
In 2018, Larsen’s responsibilities expanded when he became the Vice President and General Manager for Williams’ Rocky Mountain Midstream franchise. In this position, he took charge of all commercial activities and the safe, reliable operation of the growing assets in the region. Under his leadership, the Rocky Mountain Midstream franchise saw continued growth and success, further cementing his reputation as a strong and capable leader.
In 2020, Larsen transitioned into the role of Vice President of Strategic Development. In this role, he was responsible for leading Williams’ corporate strategy, market intelligence, and corporate development efforts. He played a key role in shaping the company’s overall strategy and ensuring that it remained adaptable and responsive to changes in the energy landscape. His leadership in strategic development helped position Williams for continued growth and innovation, even in an ever-evolving energy industry.
Most recently, Larsen served as Senior Vice President of Gathering and Processing, a role he assumed in 2022. In this capacity, he led all onshore gathering and processing (G&P), NGL transmission, storage, and fractionation businesses. This leadership role further honed his ability to manage the intricate operations involved in natural gas transmission and processing, ensuring that these critical functions were optimized to support Williams’ long-term success.
A Vision for the Future
As Williams’ new COO, Larsen will be responsible for overseeing a wide range of operations across the company, including the transmission, storage, and gathering and processing functions. These areas are critical to the company’s overall business strategy, and Larsen’s extensive experience and expertise in these domains will be instrumental in driving the company’s operational efficiency and success.
Larsen’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in helping Williams continue its growth trajectory. He will focus on enhancing the company’s operational capabilities while ensuring that it maintains a commitment to safety, reliability, and sustainability. The natural gas industry, particularly the midstream sector, is undergoing significant transformations, and Larsen’s strategic insights will be essential for navigating these changes and positioning Williams for continued success in a competitive marketplace.
Under Larsen’s leadership, Williams is likely to continue to prioritize innovation and efficiency in its operations, further solidifying its position as a leader in the energy sector. His appointment also signals Williams’ commitment to maintaining strong leadership continuity as the company continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
Educational Background
Larry Larsen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah. His technical background in engineering, combined with his extensive leadership experience, gives him a solid foundation for overseeing Williams’ complex operational and strategic initiatives. His engineering expertise is particularly valuable in the natural gas industry, where technical knowledge is essential for optimizing operations and driving efficiency across the company’s diverse asset portfolio.
A Bright Future for Williams
The appointment of Larry Larsen as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer marks a new chapter in Williams’ ongoing journey of growth and innovation. With a proven track record of success across multiple operational and strategic areas, Larsen is well-equipped to lead the company into the future. As Williams continues to enhance its competitive edge in the natural gas sector, Larsen’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the company through an evolving energy landscape, ensuring that it remains agile, forward-thinking, and well-positioned for future success.
As the energy industry continues to experience change and transformation, companies like Williams are looking for leaders who can adapt to shifting market dynamics, implement strategic initiatives, and maintain a strong focus on operational excellence. With Larry Larsen stepping into the role of COO, Williams is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and delivering value to its stakeholders in the years ahead.
With his deep understanding of the company’s operations, strong leadership qualities, and technical expertise, Larry Larsen is poised to make a significant impact as Williams’ new COO. His appointment reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining leadership continuity and optimizing its operations for long-term growth and success. As Williams enters this new phase of its journey, it does so with a clear vision for the future and a strong leadership team at the helm.
