Michael Creel stands as a pivotal figure in the energy sector, currently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cheniere Energy Partners Lp. His leadership extends to Cheniere Partners GP, LLC, a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy, Inc., where he holds the positions of Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. This places him at the helm of the general partner for Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE: CQP), a publicly traded limited partnership renowned for its operation of the Sabine Pass LNG terminal. Furthermore, Mr. Creel is also the President and CEO of the general partner of Sabine Pass LNG, L.P., and CEO of Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC, underscoring his comprehensive involvement in these critical energy infrastructure projects.
Alt text: Michael Creel, CEO of Cheniere Energy Partners LP, engaged in a strategic discussion about LNG operations, emphasizing his leadership role in the company.
Mr. Creel’s distinguished career has garnered industry-wide recognition. Institutional Investor acknowledged his exceptional leadership by naming him Best CEO in the electric industry in 2012, based on rankings from industry analysts. In 2013, IR Magazine further recognized his excellence in investor relations among mid-cap companies. His consistent leadership was again highlighted by Institutional Investor, who awarded him the 2020 and 2023 All-American Executive Team Best CEO in the natural gas industry. These accolades reflect his consistent impact and respected standing within the energy and investment communities.
Prior to his role at Cheniere Energy Partners LP, Mr. Creel held the Chief Executive Officer position at Calpine Corporation from 2008 to 2014, subsequently becoming Executive Chairman from May 2014 to May 2016. His tenure on Calpine’s board of directors spanned from 2008 to March 2018, concluding with the company’s sale to Energy Capital Partners and other investors. Recruited by key Calpine shareholders in 2008 during a critical period of emergence from bankruptcy, Mr. Creel successfully steered Calpine to become America’s largest natural gas-fueled electricity generator. Under his guidance, Calpine reliably met the growing demand for cleaner and more efficient energy sources. As CEO of Calpine, he effectively managed a large team and oversaw significant natural gas procurement, new power generation facility development, and the complexities of commodity trading and balance sheet management inherent in the merchant power sector.
Mr. Creel’s extensive 40-year career in energy began after his 1984 graduation from California State University, Sacramento, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, when he joined Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Thirteen years later, he transitioned to Goldman Sachs as Vice President, focusing on commodity trading and wholesale electricity marketing. This role was instrumental in the formation of Orion Power Holdings, an independent power producer co-founded by Mr. Creel with Goldman Sachs’ backing. He served as President and CEO of Orion Power Holdings from 1998 to 2002. In 2004, he was appointed Chairman and CEO of Texas Genco LLC by private institutional investors. He successfully transformed Texas Genco from a regulated utility subsidiary into a robust and profitable independent entity, achieving a substantial return for shareholders upon its merger with NRG in 2006. Mr. Creel’s commitment extends beyond the corporate world, as he currently serves on the board of directors of the American-Italian Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to cancer research and education. His multifaceted career underscores his leadership and expertise in the energy industry, making him a valuable asset to Cheniere Energy Partners LP.
