Helix Energy Solutions(US:HLX) Businesswire·2025-12-17 23:00Core Viewpoint - Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. announces the retirement of Owen Kratz, the President and CEO, who has been with the company since 1984 and has led it since 1997, marking a significant transition in leadership for the company [1][2]. Company Overview - Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. is an international offshore energy services company headquartered in Houston, Texas, focusing on well intervention, robotics, and decommissioning operations [4]. - The company plays a crucial role in supporting the global energy transition by maximizing production from existing oil and gas reserves and facilitating the decommissioning of end-of-life oil and gas fields [4]. Leadership Transition - Owen Kratz's retirement will ensure leadership continuity, as he plans to remain as CEO until a successor is appointed, emphasizing a smooth transition process [2][3]. - The Board of Directors is committed to selecting a new CEO with proven global business leadership experience, ensuring the company maintains its strategic direction [3]. Contributions and Legacy - Kratz is recognized as a pioneer in the offshore energy services industry, having transformed Helix from a small diving company into a global industry leader over nearly four decades [3]. - His leadership has successfully navigated the company through various business cycles, delivering value to shareholders and clients across multiple fields, including subsea diving, intervention, robotics, construction, exploration and production (E&P), and decommissioning [3]. Future Outlook - The company is well-positioned with a strong balance sheet, which provides opportunities for future growth, as expressed by Kratz in his remarks about the company's potential [3].