Anthony J. Best has a solid background in management, having shaped the direction of SM Energy Company as its CEO from 2006 to 2015. He joined the company as President and Chief Operating Officer before taking the top job. During...

Anthony J. Best has a solid background in management, having shaped the direction of SM Energy Company as its CEO from 2006 to 2015. He joined the company as President and Chief Operating Officer before taking the top job. During his tenure, he saw the company through significant changes and looked to maximize shareholder value. What stands out is his decision to retire early in 2015, marking the end of a notable era where he was instrumental in driving company performance metrics, such as production volume and cash flow. Although Best did not receive bonuses in his last year due to his retirement, earlier years showcased impressive compensation tied largely to performance metrics, translating a well-aligned pay for performance philosophy into millions. One interesting aspect of his leadership was his approach to stock holdings; he notably traded significant amounts of stock, reaching peaks in values well above $9 million in some months. This consistent engagement with the company’s stock reflects a CEO aligned with the interests of shareholders. Best's journey through SM Energy depicts a mix of strategic management and practical results, providing a solid foundation for the company's ongoing success.