Vitesse Energy Appoints Jamie Benard as CEO
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 5 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy VTS?
Vitesse Energy announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Jamie Benard as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2026. 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. 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."
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Analyst Views on VTS
Wall Street analysts forecast VTS stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 18.450
Low
20.00
Averages
20.00
High
20.00
Current: 18.450
Low
20.00
Averages
20.00
High
20.00
About VTS
Vitesse Energy, Inc. is focused on owning financial interests predominantly as a non-operator in oil and gas wells drilled by the United States operators. The Company invests in non-operated minority working and mineral interests in oil and natural gas properties with its core area of focus in the Bakken and Three Forks formations of the Williston Basin of North Dakota and Montana. It also has interests in wells in the Denver-Julesburg Basin located in Colorado and Wyoming and the Powder River Basin located in Wyoming. Its assets consist of more than 50,000 net acres and interests in over 7,000 gross producing wells.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Vitesse Energy (VTS.US) Officer Plans to Sell $6.1 Million Worth of Common Stock via Form 144
Stock Sale Announcement: Gerrity Robert Winten plans to sell 329.31K shares of Vitesse Energy (VTS.U.S) on March 30, with a total market value of approximately $6.1 million.
Reduction in Shareholding: Gerrity Robert W has reduced his shareholding in Vitesse Energy by 243.39K shares since January 14, 2026, with a total value of around $4.84 million.
See More
Vitesse Energy CEO Resignation Shakes Investors
- CEO Resignation Impact: The unexpected resignation of Vitesse Energy's CEO Bob Gerrity led to a nearly 5% drop in the company's stock on Friday, indicating investor concerns about potential instability at the top, which could affect short-term market confidence.
- Succession Plan: The company appointed Jamie Benard as the new CEO and board chairman, effective May 1, leveraging his extensive experience in the energy sector, including his recent role as president of SOGC, to stabilize future operations.
- Market Reaction: Following Gerrity's departure, Vitesse's stock closed at $18.51 with a market cap of $773 million, reflecting investor skepticism regarding corporate governance and future strategy, which may impact its long-term investment appeal.
- Industry Implications: Although the new CEO has a strong industry background, the abrupt executive change may raise questions about internal management and strategic direction, potentially affecting the company's position in a competitive energy market.
See More
Vitesse Energy Appoints New CEO Jamie Benard
- Executive Transition: Vitesse Energy announced the appointment of former HP Sinclair executive Jamie Benard as the new President and CEO effective May 1, succeeding Bob Gerrity, who resigned immediately, marking a significant leadership change for the company.
- Interim Leadership: Prior to Benard's arrival, current President Brian Cree will serve as interim CEO and plans to retire on May 1, while remaining in a senior advisory role until the end of 2026, ensuring stability during the transition period.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Benard brings over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, most recently as President of Sinclair Oil & Gas, where he oversaw strategy, operations, and capital allocation, demonstrating his strong background and leadership capabilities in the industry.
- Founder Resignation: Gerrity, who has served as President and CEO since 2014 and founded Vitesse Energy 13 years ago, has resigned, which may impact the company's strategic direction and future development.
See More
VITESSE ENERGY INC NAMES JAMIE BENARD PRESIDENT AND CEO STARTING MAY 1, 2026
- Leadership Announcement: Jamie Benard has been appointed as the President and CEO of VITESSENERGY INC., effective May 1, 2026.
- Company Overview: VITESSENERGY INC. is focused on energy solutions and aims to enhance its leadership with this new appointment.
See More
Vitesse Energy Stock Price Fluctuation Analysis
- Stock Fluctuation: Vitesse Energy's shares dropped by 6.6% early today before slightly recovering, reflecting market sensitivity to oil price fluctuations, particularly following President Trump's comments on constructive dialogue with Iran, which altered investor expectations regarding oil supply.
- Oil Price Impact: With Iran denying any negotiations, the market remains unstable regarding oil prices, and Vitesse Energy, with significant exposure to high-cost oil in the Bakken formation, faces heightened operational risks due to its business model's sensitivity to oil price changes.
- Hedging Strategy: Vitesse Energy has hedged 64% of its expected oil production and 44% of its natural gas production by 2026, aiming to isolate risks from falling energy prices; however, in practice, declining oil prices may lead to reduced activity from the oil producers in which it invests.
- Market Outlook: Given the likelihood of continued volatility in energy markets, Vitesse Energy and other oil stocks are viewed as protective assets, particularly until there is a firm resolution to the ongoing conflict, making them valuable for safeguarding broader investment portfolios.
See More
Vitesse Energy Uses Hedging to Mitigate Oil Price Risks
- Hedging Strategy Overview: Vitesse Energy has hedged 64% of its expected oil production and 44% of its natural gas production by 2026 to mitigate downside risks from falling energy prices, although this strategy is not foolproof and still exposes the company to oil price fluctuations.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Despite a 6.6% drop in Vitesse Energy's stock price during early trading today, the shares rebounded slightly in the afternoon, reflecting market optimism regarding President Trump's constructive dialogue with Iran, leading investors to reassess future oil price trajectories.
- Business Model Characteristics: Vitesse Energy operates a unique business model, owning only 9% of the wells in which it has an operating interest, with the remainder coming from stakes in wells operated by other oil producers, which increases its sensitivity to oil price movements.
- Investment Advisory Warning: While oil stocks are viewed as a good hedge in the current market environment, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team did not include Vitesse Energy in their list of 10 best stocks, advising investors to exercise caution before purchasing.
See More
Vitesse Energy (VTS.US) Officer Plans to Sell $6.1 Million Worth of Common Stock via Form 144
Stock Sale Announcement: Gerrity Robert Winten plans to sell 329.31K shares of Vitesse Energy (VTS.U.S) on March 30, with a total market value of approximately $6.1 million.
Reduction in Shareholding: Gerrity Robert W has reduced his shareholding in Vitesse Energy by 243.39K shares since January 14, 2026, with a total value of around $4.84 million.
See More
Vitesse Energy CEO Resignation Shakes Investors
- CEO Resignation Impact: The unexpected resignation of Vitesse Energy's CEO Bob Gerrity led to a nearly 5% drop in the company's stock on Friday, indicating investor concerns about potential instability at the top, which could affect short-term market confidence.
- Succession Plan: The company appointed Jamie Benard as the new CEO and board chairman, effective May 1, leveraging his extensive experience in the energy sector, including his recent role as president of SOGC, to stabilize future operations.
- Market Reaction: Following Gerrity's departure, Vitesse's stock closed at $18.51 with a market cap of $773 million, reflecting investor skepticism regarding corporate governance and future strategy, which may impact its long-term investment appeal.
- Industry Implications: Although the new CEO has a strong industry background, the abrupt executive change may raise questions about internal management and strategic direction, potentially affecting the company's position in a competitive energy market.
See More
Vitesse Energy Appoints New CEO Jamie Benard
- Executive Transition: Vitesse Energy announced the appointment of former HP Sinclair executive Jamie Benard as the new President and CEO effective May 1, succeeding Bob Gerrity, who resigned immediately, marking a significant leadership change for the company.
- Interim Leadership: Prior to Benard's arrival, current President Brian Cree will serve as interim CEO and plans to retire on May 1, while remaining in a senior advisory role until the end of 2026, ensuring stability during the transition period.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Benard brings over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, most recently as President of Sinclair Oil & Gas, where he oversaw strategy, operations, and capital allocation, demonstrating his strong background and leadership capabilities in the industry.
- Founder Resignation: Gerrity, who has served as President and CEO since 2014 and founded Vitesse Energy 13 years ago, has resigned, which may impact the company's strategic direction and future development.
See More
VITESSE ENERGY INC NAMES JAMIE BENARD PRESIDENT AND CEO STARTING MAY 1, 2026
- Leadership Announcement: Jamie Benard has been appointed as the President and CEO of VITESSENERGY INC., effective May 1, 2026.
- Company Overview: VITESSENERGY INC. is focused on energy solutions and aims to enhance its leadership with this new appointment.
See More
Vitesse Energy Stock Price Fluctuation Analysis
- Stock Fluctuation: Vitesse Energy's shares dropped by 6.6% early today before slightly recovering, reflecting market sensitivity to oil price fluctuations, particularly following President Trump's comments on constructive dialogue with Iran, which altered investor expectations regarding oil supply.
- Oil Price Impact: With Iran denying any negotiations, the market remains unstable regarding oil prices, and Vitesse Energy, with significant exposure to high-cost oil in the Bakken formation, faces heightened operational risks due to its business model's sensitivity to oil price changes.
- Hedging Strategy: Vitesse Energy has hedged 64% of its expected oil production and 44% of its natural gas production by 2026, aiming to isolate risks from falling energy prices; however, in practice, declining oil prices may lead to reduced activity from the oil producers in which it invests.
- Market Outlook: Given the likelihood of continued volatility in energy markets, Vitesse Energy and other oil stocks are viewed as protective assets, particularly until there is a firm resolution to the ongoing conflict, making them valuable for safeguarding broader investment portfolios.
See More
Vitesse Energy Uses Hedging to Mitigate Oil Price Risks
- Hedging Strategy Overview: Vitesse Energy has hedged 64% of its expected oil production and 44% of its natural gas production by 2026 to mitigate downside risks from falling energy prices, although this strategy is not foolproof and still exposes the company to oil price fluctuations.
- Market Reaction Analysis: Despite a 6.6% drop in Vitesse Energy's stock price during early trading today, the shares rebounded slightly in the afternoon, reflecting market optimism regarding President Trump's constructive dialogue with Iran, leading investors to reassess future oil price trajectories.
- Business Model Characteristics: Vitesse Energy operates a unique business model, owning only 9% of the wells in which it has an operating interest, with the remainder coming from stakes in wells operated by other oil producers, which increases its sensitivity to oil price movements.
- Investment Advisory Warning: While oil stocks are viewed as a good hedge in the current market environment, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team did not include Vitesse Energy in their list of 10 best stocks, advising investors to exercise caution before purchasing.
See More
