Continental CEO Harold Hamm announced Jeff Hume, Continental’s president and COO, will assume the role of vice chairman of strategic growth initiatives effective June 4. Rick Bott will succeed Hume in the post.

"As we grow the company and add shareholder value, we continue to build out a world-class management team," Hamm said. "Jeff and I have worked together for 29 years. He has done an outstanding job as president and has been integral to Continental's success. In his new role, he will provide valuable leadership on issues that have increasing impact on our success as the company rapidly grows in size and scope."

Bott served most recently as executive director and COO of Cairn India Limited, a publicly listed company and member of the Nifty Fifty of the India National Stock Exchange. He has more than 27 years of global exploration and production experience leading integrated organizations, developing new business and focusing on cross-cultural leadership development. Prior to that, he served as vice president of Devon Energy Corp.'s International Division, where he was responsible for developing and implementing exploration strategy. 

Previous posts for Bott include president of Ocean Egypt Companies and president of Ocean Yemen Corporation. He also held a number of international management and technical positions with British Gasand Tenneco.

"We are thrilled to round out our executive team with someone of Rick Bott's caliber,” Hamm said. “He is a geologist who shares my passion for oil exploration.  His extensive experience will enable Continental to deliver on key company objectives.”