Natural Resources >> CEO Interviews >> September 9, 1998

Alex E. Benton – Benton Oil & Gas Co (bno)

ALEX E. BENTON, founder of Benton Oil and Gas Company, was first elected Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company in September 1988. In 1968, Mr. Benton began his career at Amoco Corporation where he ultimately became Director of Applied Geophysical Research. Amoco had built an enviable reputation among the largest oil companies in the world by stressing state of the art geophysical techniques. While at Amoco, Mr. Benton organized the geophysical exploration program that eventually led to the discovery in the Overthrust Belt. Also while at Amoco, Mr. Benton was directly responsible for the discoveries in the Louisiana Tuscaloosa Trend of South Louisiana at Moore-Sams, Lockhard Crossing and Port Hudson fields. Mr. Benton also was Manager of Geophysics for Mobil's largest affiliate with responsibility for exploration in new frontier areas worldwide. Mr. Benton left the 'major oil company' environment and joined May Petroleum Inc. in 1981, where he became Senior Vice President of Exploration. Mr. Benton was responsible for the largest oil and gas discoveries in May Petroleum's history. Mr. Benton has a B.S. degree from California State University. Profile
TWST: How about if we start out with just a quick overview of Benton Oil

& Gas so everybody knows what the company is all about.

Mr. Benton: We're primarily an international E&P