R.M. Lance, also known as Ryan Lance, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConocoPhillips, a position he has held since 2012. Born in 1962, Lance began his career in the energy industry with ARCO Alaska in 1984, where he worked for 16 years in various roles, including as manager of planning and economics. In 2001, he joined ConocoPhillips following the merger of Conoco Inc. and Phillips Petroleum Company, where he initially served as president of the company's exploration and production unit in the Asia Pacific region. Throughout his tenure at ConocoPhillips, Lance has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic direction and operational excellence. Under his leadership, ConocoPhillips has focused on high-return, low-cost unconventional plays and has been recognized for its disciplined approach to capital allocation and portfolio management. One of Lance's significant achievements was leading the company's spin-off of its downstream businesses into a separate entity, Phillips 66, in 2012. This move allowed ConocoPhillips to concentrate on its core upstream operations and has been credited with enhancing shareholder value. As Chairman and CEO, Lance continues to guide ConocoPhillips through the evolving energy landscape, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. He has been instrumental in advancing the company's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and has overseen the development of new technologies to improve operational efficiency. Lance's leadership has earned him recognition within the industry, including being named one of the "World's 50 Greatest Leaders" by Fortune magazine in 2017. His strategic vision and dedication to the company's long-term success have solidified ConocoPhillips' position as a leading independent exploration and production company.