Rex Energy Corp. (REXX) appointed Robert W. Ovitz as its COO, the company said July 13. He replaces Patrick M. McKinney, who has been COO since May 2010, and president and COO since October 2011. McKinney is leaving in August for the investment banking industry, Rex added. Ovitz’s appointment is effective immediately.

Ovitz will have direct oversight of Appalachian and Illinois basin operations, reservoir engineering, and exploration and geology. He will handle operational capital.

Tom Stabley, currently the CEO, will become president and CEO after McKinney's departure.

Ovitz joined Rex in 2014 and was the senior vice president, operations. He drives the operational efficiency effort for the Appalachian Basin with a team.

Prior to Rex, Ovitz spent 13 years at Noble Energy Inc., including three with Patina Oil & Gas, purchased by Noble in 2005. Ultimately, he was senior operations manager for Noble's Marcellus Shale joint venture.

Prior to Noble, Ovitz worked for Patina, Questar Exploration & Production Co., Amoco UK, and Amoco Production Co.

He has a bachelor’s degree from Marietta College and a master’s of business administration degree from the University of Denver.

“Today's announcement reflects the strength and talent of our senior executive and operational teams," said Lance Shaner, chairman of Rex’s board. "With Tom as our president and CEO, and Bob's succession to the COO role, we've ensured a seamless transition and continued momentum for the operational excellence we've achieved over the past several years. We are well positioned for the next phase of the company's growth."

State College, Pa.-based Rex Energy Corp. operates in the Appalachian and Illinois basins.