Ecopetrol management: Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero and the company's rebirth

Ecopetrol management under Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero (also known as Joaco Gutiérrez) began on September 28, 2026 with a clear board mandate: drive the rebirth of Colombia’s largest company, restore stakeholder trust and deliver rigorous, transparent administration.

On September 24, 2026, the board appointed Gutiérrez Caballero unanimously after what Ecopetrol called “a structured and agile process” aimed at finding “a unifying leader, capable of turning challenges into concrete results.”

Who is Joaquín Gutiérrez Caballero

Gutiérrez Caballero holds a degree in business administration and three specializations: telecommunications project management, telecommunications law and health services management. Ecopetrol’s official directors’ page credits him with more than 30 years of professional experience across legal, health, construction, agriculture and livestock sectors.

The 2026 management mandate

His mission is to build bridges of trust between the company and the state, workers, regions, communities, investors and partners. Stated goals include stronger value creation, “rigorous and transparent management,” and closer coordination with all stakeholders.

Priorities on the public record

At the “Ecopetrol Rebirth Ceremony” in Santa Marta, Gutiérrez set a direct tone and flagged Colombia’s reserve horizon — 7.4 years for oil and 5.9 years for gas, as reported by El Colombiano — with a goal of leaving Ecopetrol with reserves for decades ahead. Announced priorities include more exploration, a forensic audit of prior administrations, an alternate headquarters in Barranquilla and recovery of operating and financial results.

A renewed leadership team

On September 30 the board approved senior appointments including Camilo Rojas Castro as Corporate Vice President of Administration and Services, responsible for procurement under standards of rigor, transparency, ethical conduct and integrity.

Why this management phase matters

Only weeks into the role, results are still to be measured. What is on record is unanimous board backing, a candid reserves diagnosis, a public transparency commitment and a renewed management team — the starting point for anyone following Joaco Gutiérrez Ecopetrol management.