Oil and Gas Investor Continues Its Success - Via Its Succession Plan

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Jan 06, 2016, 07:53 ET

For more than 40 years, Hart Energy editors and experts have delivered market-leading insights to investors and energy industry professionals.

HOUSTON, Jan. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hart Energy announced the most significant editorial change in the history of its flagship Oil and Gas Investor franchise. Effective with the January 2016 edition, Leslie Haines begins a new senior advisory role as executive editor-at-large -- and Steve Toon is promoted to editor-in-chief.

Haines has been the principal editor of Hart Energy's flagship publication for nearly 25 years. It's the post for which her performance garnered many industry awards, including the prestigious Lloyd Unsell Award for Excellence in Petroleum Journalism from the IPAA (Independent Petroleum Association of America), the foremost industry group for Investor's core audience.

Haines started her energy journalism career at the Williston Daily Herald in North Dakota. She joined Hart Energy in Denver after she'd moved to Midland, Texas, as energy and business reporter for the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Initially a copy editor with Hart Energy, she began writing for the former Western Oil Reporter magazine before joining the OGI staff in 1985, where she was named managing editor in 1987 and then editor in 1992.

"Leslie is not going anywhere," said Rich Eichler, Hart Energy's CEO. "This is a great time to change editorial leadership, and Steve is absolutely the right person to carry out those responsibilities. Now Leslie will take on company-wide editorial projects and, more importantly, be a mentor to younger staff who can learn much from her experience and contacts.

"I see Leslie's contributions for the next few years as being the most important of her career."

Steve Toon is a familiar "voice" to the readers of OGI as he takes the reins of this robust editorial operation. He joined Hart Energy's OGI group in 2007, serving as editor of A&D Watch newsletter and the online A-DCenter.com, then senior editor for OGI magazine. His 20+ year journalism career spans newspapers, consumer magazines and business publications.

During his tenure with OGI, Toon pioneered the interactive news features that combine text, video, audio and photos -- and which have become regular, award-winning staples for the franchise.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Steve as our next generation of leadership for the OGI franchise," said Peggy Williams, Hart Energy's editorial director. "Steve has impressed us with his exceptional writing ability, his wonderful work ethic and his unflinching commitment to quality."

About Hart Energy
For more than 40 years, Hart Energy editors and experts have delivered market-leading insights to investors and energy industry professionals. The Houston-based company produces award-winning magazines (such as Oil and Gas Investor, E&P and Midstream Business); online news and data services; in-depth industry conferences (like the DUG™ series); GIS data sets and mapping solutions; and a range of research and consulting services. For information, visit hartenergy.com.