Ben Melancon Email & Phone Number

Houston, Texas, United States

With 18 years of progressive experience at Hess Corporation, I currently serve as the Director of Internal Audit. In this crucial role, I collaborate with the Boards of Directors of Hess Corporation (HES) and Hess Midstream (HESM), Senior Leadership, and Asset Management Teams. My responsibilities include developing risk-based audit plans, leading a dynamic team responsible for systems and data analytics within the Hess Corporate Audit Department, leading audits, reviewing audit work and reports, and contributing as a vital member of the Hess Corporate Audit Leadership Team.Key Contributions:- Liase with the Hess and Hess Midstream Audit Committees, fostering effective communication and collaboration.- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for both Hess Corporation and Hess Midstream, informing the development of strategic audit plans.- Spearhead the training and coaching of audit staff, ensuring adherence to rigorous auditing standards and best practices.

Houston, Texas

In my preceding role as Senior Manager Global Production Planning, I led the planning function for Hess Global Production, overseeing both operated and non-operated assets generating approximately 300,000 net Hess barrels of oil equivalent per day. My strategic contributions extended to supporting the Hess Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Operating Committee, and Global Production Leadership Team in areas such as business strategies, portfolio optimization, operational planning, financial and operational reporting, economic modeling, and risk management.Key Contributions:- Orchestrated the development of Hess' annual budget and plan, aligning operational goals with the Board's targets.- Managed the forecasting and reporting of operational and financial metrics, ensuring transparent communication with key stakeholders.- Collaborated closely with Investor Relations, crafting messaging and communicating quarterly results to the investor community.- Managed the Enterprise Risk Management process for the Global Production assets and worked closely with the Chief Risk Officer to ensure an effective risk management strategy, with countermeasures, is in place.- Managed and coordinated the reporting of global production-related data and messaging for the Hess Annual Sustainability Report.

Houston, Texas Area

In this role, I managed the planning function for over 20 onshore and offshore assets on five continents, overseeing an annual net capex of approximately $2 billion and production exceeding 300,000 net boepd. I supported the Senior VP Global Production and the Global Production Leadership Team, facilitating strategic decision-making, and coordinated the development of quarterly investor call messaging for the production assets.Key Contributions:- Implemented strategic portfolio decisions within the assets, contributing to the eventual IPO of Hess Midstream Partners MLP in 2017.- Played a key role in coordinating the sale of 50% of Hess’ Bakken midstream assets, realizing $3 billion in after-tax proceeds.

In this strategic role, I provided instrumental support to the Senior VP Onshore Production and the Onshore Leadership Team. I managed the planning function for all global onshore assets, ensuring alignment with asset and functional strategies. My responsibilities included coordinating forecast, portfolio, and budget processes for onshore assets, managing quarterly messaging with investors, and developing presentations for leadership.

As the Bakken Planning Advisor, I played a pivotal role in coordinating the annual budget and life-of-field plan for the Bakken asset, managing >$2 billion annual net investment, gross production of 150,000 boepd, and 17 operated drilling rigs. My role involved direct support to the Vice President of the Bakken asset, development of economic analyses for business investment decisions, and regular communication of asset activities to senior leadership and investors. I also acted as a key liaison between senior management and the Bakken team, facilitating effective communication and decision-making.

Houston, Texas Area

In this strategic finance role, I led a multi-functional team responsible for forecasting, monitoring, and reporting a $2+ billion annual capital investment. Implementing Lean manufacturing principles, I streamlined financial processes, resulting in a remarkable 30% reduction in per-well cost over an 18-month period. My role extended to involvement in the preparation of key figures for quarterly investor calls and analyses of business acquisitions and divestitures. I also played a pivotal role in the preparation of annual FAS 69 reporting: Disclosure about Oil and Gas Producing Activities. Finally, I engaged in a full SAP re-design and rollout for the North Dakota asset, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency.

Tripoli, Libya

As the Libya Country Finance Manager, I led a team responsible for forecasting, monitoring, and reporting for Hess’ Libya assets. My role involved managing local office accounting, administration, social responsibility initiatives, and legal issues, including compliance with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). I successfully managed HR and Legal issues during the Libyan sanctions in 2011 and was part of a team involved in evacuating personnel from Libya, demonstrating crisis management and leadership skills.

Houston, Texas

As Manager E&P Internal Audit, I played a pivotal role in developing the Hess Internal Audit Department and conducting a worldwide corporate risk assessment. My leadership extended to leading internal audits in various global locations, developing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. I was instrumental in documenting, refining, and testing internal controls for Sarbanes Oxley 404 reporting purposes.

Houston, Texas Area

In my earlier career at Ernst & Young, I led internal audits for multinational and small businesses across the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, and France. I played a crucial role in the initial implementation of Sarbanes Oxley for several clients during 2002 and 2003. I contributed to the core industries of Chemicals and Utilities, gaining diverse industry exposure and I played a key role in identifying critical processes and key internal controls during the initial phases of Sarbanes Oxley implementation.

Mba, Internal Audit, Finance

Activities and Societies: Vice President of the LSU MBA Association

Ba, Major: Psychology, Minor: Management

Activities and Societies: Psychology Association Insight Theatre