Montana Tech Grad Chairman, CEO of ConocoPhillips

BUTTE, Mont. (AP) — The new chairman and chief executive officer of ConocoPhillips is a graduate of Great Falls High and earned his petroleum engineering degree at Montana Tech.

Ryan Lance earned his new title in April, when ConocoPhillips split into two companies — one that produces oil and one that refines it. Lance was senior vice president of international exploration and production before the company split. Phillips 66 is now the refining company.

Lance tells The Montana Standard his job involves cultivating corporate culture and governance, creating strategy and articulating the company's vision.

He says he hopes to increase production by 3 to 5 percent over the next five years.

Lance's father was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base when Lance finished high school.

The family has a farm near Wolf Point.