The board of directors at Magnum Hunter Resources Corp. (MHR) appointed Keith Yankowsky as executive vice president and COO, the company said Aug. 6. His appointment becomes effective Sept. 1.

Yankowsky will report directly to Gary C. Evans, chairman and CEO.

Yankowsky has more than 28 years’ experience in engineering, including operations and drilling and completions for conventional and unconventional plays.

Previously, he was vice president of Chesapeake Energy Corp.’s (CHK) Appalachia South business unit. He spent nine years at Chesapeake, and was also vice president of engineering technology and special projects, overseeing aspects of horizontal drilling and stimulation of the Marcellus and Utica.

He also oversaw development and disposition of some Appalachian assets for Chesapeake, Magnum Hunter added.

Prior to joining Chesapeake, Yankowsky worked at Burlington Resources and Conoco Inc.

He has a bachelor’s degree from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio.

"I am honored to join an exceptionally talented Magnum Hunter operations team. I look forward to utilizing my extensive Appalachian Basin experience to further drive improved production performance and cash cost efficiencies on the company's attractive acreage position," Yankowsky said.

Magnum Hunter Resources Inc. is based in Dallas, Texas.