Kenneth J. Knott is a highly accomplished oil and gas executive whose career reflects nearly four decades of leadership in business development and land management. Known for his strategic mindset and deep industry relationships, Mr. Knott has built a reputation as a trusted leader capable of driving growth, navigating complex transactions, and unlocking value across diverse energy assets. His professional journey is defined by consistent advancement, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to integrity and collaboration.

Mr. Knott’s tenure with SM Energy Company spans more than 25 years, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s land and business development strategy. Joining the organization in November 2000 as a Senior Landman, he quickly distinguished himself through his technical expertise and leadership capabilities. His early contributions laid the groundwork for multiple promotions, reflecting both his performance and the trust placed in his leadership.

In 2004, Mr. Knott advanced to Gulf Coast Regional Land and Business Development Manager, where he assumed broader oversight of land operations and strategic initiatives. His ability to align land acquisition strategies with exploration and production goals proved instrumental in strengthening the company’s asset base. By 2009, he was promoted to Vice President of Business Development and Land, further expanding his influence across the organization.

In August 2014, Mr. Knott was named Senior Vice President of Business Development and Land, a role in which he led critical initiatives involving acquisitions, divestitures, and portfolio optimization. He worked closely with executive leadership, engineering, and exploration teams to evaluate opportunities and execute transactions that supported long-term growth. His leadership ensured that SM Energy maintained a competitive edge in identifying and capitalizing on high-value opportunities.

Throughout his career at SM Energy, Mr. Knott has been deeply involved in all phases of land operations, including leasehold acquisition, contract negotiation, title analysis, and surface agreements. He has overseen land administration functions, streamlined communication between regional offices, and contributed to the implementation of advanced land management systems. His attention to detail and ability to manage complex datasets have been critical in supporting exploration and development activities.

Prior to joining SM Energy, Mr. Knott built a strong foundation with ARCO Oil and Gas, Vastar Resources, and BP. Beginning his career in 1987 with ARCO, he gained experience across multiple basins, including the Permian, Mid-Continent, Rockies, and Michigan regions. His early work focused on acquisition and divestiture efforts, where he developed expertise in negotiating transactions and managing exploration support activities.

Following ARCO’s transition to Vastar Resources and subsequent merger with BP, Mr. Knott continued to advance, ultimately serving as Director of Business Development for the Gulf Coast Region. In this capacity, he led acquisition and trade efforts, managed joint venture evaluations, and supported offshore and onshore operations. His work during this period demonstrated his ability to operate effectively in both technical and strategic roles, bridging the gap between field operations and executive decision-making.

Mr. Knott’s career is marked by his ability to identify and execute growth opportunities through acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. He has successfully negotiated numerous transactions, often under complex and competitive conditions, delivering value through disciplined analysis and market insight. His collaborative approach ensures alignment across cross-functional teams, enabling efficient and effective execution of business objectives.

In 2025, Mr. Knott transitioned into an advisory role at SM Energy, continuing to provide strategic guidance in business development and land management. This role reflects both his enduring value to the organization and his desire to share his expertise with the next generation of industry leaders. His mentorship and advisory contributions continue to influence the company’s strategic direction.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Mr. Knott is actively engaged in the broader energy community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA) and the Natural Resources Management Association (NRMA). These roles allow him to contribute to industry advocacy, policy discussions, and the advancement of best practices within the sector.

Mr. Knott holds both an Associate of Science in Petroleum Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Land Management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His educational background, combined with his Certified Professional Landman (CPL) designation, underscores his technical expertise and commitment to professional excellence.

Outside of his professional life, Mr. Knott enjoys hunting, fishing, and golf—activities that reflect his appreciation for the outdoors and balanced living. He is guided by a personal philosophy centered on shared values, integrity, and meaningful relationships. This perspective has shaped both his leadership style and his approach to building lasting partnerships throughout his career.

Today, Kenneth J. Knott stands as a respected leader in the oil and gas industry, known for his strategic acumen, operational expertise, and dedication to helping organizations and individuals succeed. His extensive network, combined with decades of experience, positions him as a valuable advisor and board candidate capable of contributing at the highest levels of leadership.

Character: Mr. Knott demonstrates unwavering integrity in all professional interactions, consistently aligning his actions with his core values. He fosters trust through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ethical decision-making. His dedication to building meaningful relationships has been a defining element of his long-standing career success.

Knowledge: With nearly four decades of experience, Mr. Knott possesses deep technical and strategic knowledge of land management and business development within the oil and gas industry. He has a comprehensive understanding of acquisition strategies, contract negotiations, and asset optimization. His expertise allows him to evaluate complex opportunities with precision and confidence.

Strategic: Mr. Knott excels at identifying growth opportunities and aligning them with organizational objectives. He brings a forward-thinking approach to acquisitions, divestitures, and portfolio management. His ability to integrate market intelligence with operational strategy has consistently driven sustainable value creation.

Communication: Mr. Knott is an effective communicator who translates complex technical and strategic concepts into clear, actionable insights. He collaborates seamlessly across teams, fostering alignment and shared purpose. His experience speaking at industry meetings further reflects his ability to engage and inform diverse audiences.