# Will Hickey

> Will Hickey is the Midland-based co-founder, co-chief executive officer and director of Permian Resources. He co-founded Colgate Energy with childhood neighbor James Walter in 2015 after working at Pioneer Natural Resources and EnCap Investments. The partners became co-CEOs of Permian Resources when Colgate combined with Centennial Resource Development in September 2022.

- **Role:** Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director at Permian Resources
- **Organizations:** Permian Resources, Colgate Energy, EnCap Investments, Pioneer Natural Resources
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Master of Business Administration, Southern Methodist University
- **Known for:** Co-founded and co-led Colgate Energy from 2015 through its 2022 combination with Centennial., Brought experience in petroleum engineering and private equity to public-company leadership., Co-led the enlarged Permian Resources following its Earthstone acquisition.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2015** — Worked in engineering roles at Pioneer Natural Resources, including chief of staff to the COO; subsequently evaluated energy investments at EnCap Investments.
- **2015** — Co-founded Colgate Energy with James Walter.
- **2016** — Colgate announced $75 million in equity commitments from Pearl, NGP and management.
- **2022** — Became co-CEO and director of Permian Resources on September 1 after the Colgate-Centennial combination.
- **2023** — Co-led Permian Resources as it closed the $4.5 billion Earthstone acquisition on November 1.

## Achievements

- Co-founded and co-led Colgate Energy from 2015 through its 2022 combination with Centennial.
- Brought experience in petroleum engineering and private equity to public-company leadership.
- Co-led the enlarged Permian Resources following its Earthstone acquisition.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Permian Resources reported second-quarter oil production of 198,100 barrels per day and approximately 535,000 net acres across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
- **2026-02** — Permian Resources reported 2025 drilling and completion costs per foot down 10% year over year.
- **2025-12** — Featured in Enverus Morning Energy Live: Inside the Delaware Basin, discussing operations and acquisitions.

## Links

- Website: https://permianres.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hickey-7542751b/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/will-hickey
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21