MDU Resources Group, Inc. says that Pat O'Bryan will become chief executive officer of its Fidelity Exploration & Production Company, effective March 1. He also will retain his current position as president.

He succeeds J. Kent Wells, who has announced that he will retire on February 28 from his positions as Fidelity CEO and vice chairman of the corporation. Wells has also indicated that he will resign as a director of MDU Resources at the same time.

'We appreciate the job Kent has done leading Fidelity's transition from a gas-centric business to a balanced production portfolio,' said David L. Goodin, MDU Resources president and CEO. 'As MDU's vice chairman, Kent has played a key role in our corporate strategy and succession planning processes and we are well positioned to have a smooth transition in direction and leadership at Fidelity.'

Tags: MDU Resources Group