Aubrey McClendon By A. Lee Graham Fort Worth Business Press Chesapeake Energy Corp. has named Steven Dixon acting CEO as the Oklahoma-based energy company seeks a permanent successor to Aubrey McClendon. Dixon, who has served as Chesapeake’s executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2006, is one of three company executives constituting a newly formed Office of the Chairman, which will be active until a permanent CEO is chosen. Rounding out the interim office is Archie W. Dunham, non-executive board chairman; and Domenic J. Dell’Osso Jr., chief financial officer. “Steve and Nick are both playing key leadership roles as the company accelerates the realization of the substantial intrinsic value of our world-class oil and gas assets for the benefits of all Chesapeake stakeholders,” Dunham said in a news release. As previously reported, McClendon agreed with the board that he would retire from the company on April 1, 2013. Aiding the search for his successor is Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., an executive search firm. A Chesapeake audit committee found no “intentional misconduct” by McClendon as part of a review released in February. The finding came as Chesapeake’s board received results of the previously announced review of financing arrangements between McClendon and third parties identified as having a financial relationship with the company. Chesapeake Energy Corp., whose interests include the Barnett Shale in North Texas, develops unconventional natural gas and oil fields nationwide. More information is available at www.chk.com.