Phillips 66 Shuffles Refining Leadership as Harbison Retires
Event summary
- Rich Harbison, EVP of Refining at Phillips 66, to retire on Dec. 31, 2026.
- Chris Chandler, former COO of Plains All American, to replace Harbison as EVP of Refining on Jan. 1, 2027.
- Chandler to serve as strategic advisor to CEO from Oct. 6, 2026, before assuming new role.
- Chandler brings 30+ years of energy industry experience, including prior leadership roles at Phillips 66.
The big picture
Phillips 66’s leadership transition in refining comes amid broader industry shifts toward operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Chandler’s background in complex, integrated businesses suggests a focus on maintaining operational excellence while navigating evolving energy market dynamics. The move underscores the company’s emphasis on internal succession planning to ensure strategic continuity.
What we're watching
- Leadership Continuity
- How Chandler’s transition period as strategic advisor will impact refining operations and strategic alignment.
- Operational Strategy
- Whether Chandler’s prior experience at Phillips 66 and Plains All American will drive immediate strategic shifts.
- Regulatory Engagement
- The pace at which Chandler integrates regulatory and stakeholder engagement into Phillips 66’s refining operations.