BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Apr.2026, Words: 252) — Ecopetrol S.A.’s board of directors approved an unpaid leave of absence requested by the company’s president, Ricardo Roa Barragán.
This unpaid leave of absence was authorized at a meeting held on 6 Apr. 2026, in accordance with Section 3 of Article 23 of the company’s bylaws and the decision-making and authorities matrix.
RELATED: SEADRILL REVEALS WEST POLARIS CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH PETROBRAS
The unpaid leave of absence is set to start on 28 May 2026, and is expected to last for 30 calendar days, Ecopetrol said on 7 Apr. 2026 in an official statement.
Additionally, the president requested to use his accrued and entitled vacation days. Roa’s vacation period is scheduled from 7 Apr. 2026, to 27 May 2026.
Resultantly, the board of directors has appointed Mr. Juan Carlos Hurtado Parra as acting president.
Hurtado currently serves as executive vice president of hydrocarbons and is the first alternate to the president, a role he has held since 16 Nov. 2025.
RELATED: CHENIERE ENERGY ANNOUNCED RETIREMENT OF MR. ANDREA BOTTA, CHANGES TO BODS
Mr. Hurtado previously served as vice president of exploration, development, and production at Ecopetrol and has held executive positions focused on resource management and coordination.
Hurtado is an electrical engineer, holds a specialization in project evaluation and development, and has a master of business administration (MBA) in international oil and gas. He has 28 years of experience in the energy sector, including a long professional career at Ecopetrol and executive roles at Transportadora de Gas Internacional (TGI).
____________________
By Ana Sanches reporting from Bogotá. © 1999-2026 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
