GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., March 27 — Vitesse Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTS) (“Vitesse,” “we,” or the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Jamie Benard as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2026. Mr. Benard’s appointment represents the culmination of a thorough succession planning process that will position the Company for continued long-term strategic execution and success.
“We are delighted to welcome Jamie Benard to the Vitesse team. Jamie brings proven leadership and a strong record of success. The Board believes this transition will accelerate our strategic priorities and drive long‑term value for stockholders,” said Dan O’Leary, Lead Independent Director, who will replace Mr. Gerrity as Chairman of the Board.
“I am honored to join Vitesse and build on the strong foundation the Company has established. Vitesse’s disciplined approach to capital allocation, commitment to stockholder returns, and deep bench of talent position the Company well for continued success. I look forward to partnering with the Board and the Vitesse team to execute the Company’s strategy and continue delivering sustainable value for our stockholders,” said Mr. Benard.
Mr. Benard has more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry and a strong record of operational leadership and commercial execution. Most recently, he served as President of SOGC, LLC, formerly Sinclair Oil & Gas Company, overseeing strategy, operations, and capital allocation, and leading commercial and operational execution across the company’s asset base. Previously, Mr. Benard served as President and Chief Operating Officer at Summit Discovery Resources LLC.
Bob Gerrity, the founder of Vitesse, has elected to resign as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board effectively immediately. Mr. Gerrity stated, “I am proud of the accomplishments of Vitesse over the past 13 years. I am confident in the Vitesse team and the Company’s future and look forward to the next chapter in my career.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Bob for his leadership as he spearheaded the growth and success of the Company over the last decade,” stated Mr. O’Leary.
The Company’s President, Brian Cree, also announced his pending retirement as an officer of the Company, but will assume Mr. Gerrity’s responsibilities as Interim Chief Executive Officer until May 1, 2026. Thereafter, Mr. Cree will remain with the Company in a senior advisory role through December 31, 2026. The Company’s current Chief Financial Officer, James Henderson, will remain in his role and will aid in the management transition.
“Brian has been with Vitesse since its inception and has played a key role in building the Company into what it is today. The Board looks forward to Brian’s leadership as Interim Chief Executive Officer and expects a seamless transition,” stated Mr. O’Leary.
