Ecopetrol Names Alfonso Barco Acting CEO

Ecopetrol has appointed Alfonso Camilo Barco Muñoz as acting Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2026. This leadership change follows the departure of former CEO Juan Carlos Hurtado Parra, whose retirement was formalized by a mutual agreement reached earlier this summer.

"The Board of Directors has appointed Alfonso Camilo Barco Muñoz as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective today," the company stated in an official regulatory filing.

Background of the Leadership Transition

The transition concludes a process initiated in July 2026, when the board approved a retirement plan for Hurtado Parra. Barco Muñoz steps into the role while maintaining his current responsibilities as Corporate Vice President of Finance and Sustainable Value. He also serves as an alternate legal representative for the firm, providing continuity as the board manages the leadership shift.

Ecopetrol’s Role in the Energy Sector

As Colombia’s largest company, Ecopetrol occupies a central position in the nation's economy and energy infrastructure. The state-controlled entity is responsible for more than 60% of Colombia's total hydrocarbon production, operating across the oil and gas value chain.

With a workforce exceeding 19,000 employees, the company remains the primary driver of the country's energy exports. The appointment of an acting CEO from within the existing financial leadership team signals an emphasis on operational stability as the company manages its production targets and sustainability mandates.