Chesapeake names Robert Douglas Lawler as new CEO

OKLAHOMA CITY Chesapeake Energy (CHK) has named Anadarko Petroleum executive Robert Douglas Lawler as its new CEO.

The appointment of the 46-year-old Lawler comes after a tough year for Chesapeake. Its former CEO Aubrey McClendon was ousted last year amid a scandal over his personal investments in the company's oil and gas wells.

Chesapeake shares rose 1.6 percent to $20.60 in premarket trading Monday.

Lawler is senior vice president for international and deepwater operations at Anadarko Petroleum. He also will join the Oklahoma City-based natural gas producer's board. The appointments are effective June 17.

Lawler is a petroleum engineer with 25 years of experience in the exploration and production industry.

McClendon, who founded Chesapeake Energy Corp. in 1989, was stripped of his role as chairman last year and left the company earlier this year.