Mr Mueller has served in multiple operational and managerial roles at Tenneco Oil, Fina Oil, American Exploration Company, Belco Oil & Gas, The Houston Exploration Company and CDX Gas.

Harold Korell, the company's previous CEO, has been appointed to serve as executive chairman of the board of directors until his retirement no earlier than the end of the first quarter of 2010, after which he will become the non-executive chairman of the board. At the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, Mr Korell will seek re-election to the board.

Mr Korell said: "Steve's leadership, technical abilities and focus on value creation are valuable assets to our company at a time when we are poised for significant growth over the next several years. With Steve and our strong management team in place, we will remain focused on having the right people doing the right things and creating value with every dollar we invest."

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.