CO-CHAIRMAN
Bob Simpson is currently Chairman of MorningStar Partners, the manager of Cross Timbers Energy, LLC, a 50/50 joint venture between ExxonMobil and MorningStar Partners. Cross Timbers is focused on conventional oil and gas exploration and production onshore in America. Previously, Mr. Simpson was Chairman of the Board and Founder of XTO Energy Inc.
XTO began as Cross Timbers Oil Company in 1986 by Mr. Simpson and two partners after Southland Royalty Company was acquired through a hostile takeover. One of the first acquisitions made by the new company was a bronze by artist Jack Bryant purchased at a charity fundraiser. The statue, entitled “I’ll Be Back”, depicting a retreating cowboy shaking a defiant fist, seemed to sum up his corporate philosophy. Under Mr. Simpson’s leadership, XTO became the largest producer of natural gas in America. In June of 2010, ExxonMobil acquired XTO Energy for $41 billion.
Mr. Simpson and XTO Energy have received many honors and accolades for the success of the company. From 2005 through 2008, Mr. Simpson was named by Barron’s in their “30 Most Respected CEOs in the World”. Oil and Gas Investor magazine named Mr. Simpson their “Executive of the Year” in 2006. Institutional Investor magazine named him their “Best CEO” among Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Companies in April 2009. He continues to be recognized for his contributions and leadership – in addition to the Cornerstone Award he has been honored by the National Historic Trust at their Restore America Gala for his contributions to historic preservation and Texas Wesleyan University has named him as their 2007 Executive Man of the Year for their Business Hall of Fame. He has also purchased the grand champion steer at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, from 2005 - 2008, with the proceeds going to educational scholarships.
The Texas native, youngest of four brothers, grew up on a Cisco ranch and was salutatorian of his high school graduating class. He attended Baylor University on a bank scholarship where he earned a BBA degree in Accounting with honors and then an MBA. Mr. Simpson served in the Texas Army National Guard after graduation and then earned his CPA designation.
