James Mulva to succeed Archie Dunham as chairman of ConocoPhillips

The board of directors of ConocoPhillips has elected James Mulva to succeed Archie Dunham as chairman of the board upon Dunham’s retirement on Sept. 30. The company said in a July 15 statement that Mulva will continue to serve as president and chief executive officer.

Mulva, speaking on behalf of the board of directors, thanked Dunham for his 40 years of dedicated service and his outstanding record of achievement at Conoco, DuPont and ConocoPhillips. “Your leadership and guidance were essential to the formation of ConocoPhillips and have been significant factors in its ongoing success,” said Mulva.

“It has been a great honor for me to have been associated with wonderful employees at Conoco, DuPont and ConocoPhillips. I am proud of what we have accomplished together over the years, and I am very confident that, in Jim Mulva and the senior management team, the board has ensured strong leadership for ConocoPhillips’ future,” said Dunham.

Mulva’s succession as chairman is consistent with the previously disclosed terms of the ConocoPhillips merger agreement, the company said.

Dunham also has elected to retire from the board of directors when he retires from ConocoPhillips, in keeping with current best practices in corporate governance. Dunham noted: “I have often given interviews and speeches on the importance of former chairmen and CEOs not continuing their board service after retirement in the interest of good governance.”