Following a decision by Ecopetrol’s Board of Directors, Juan Carlos Hurtado Parra, an electrical engineer from the Industrial University of Santander (UIS), has been appointed acting president of the company.
He assumes leadership of the company after serving as executive vice president of Hydrocarbons since October 2024 and vice president of Exploration, Development, and Production since November 2025.
Hurtado Parra is an engineer who graduated from the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) in 1997. He graduated from high school at La Esperanza School in Cartagena, and during his university studies, he stood out for his academic excellence, earning a grade of 4.8 out of 5 on his thesis.
In addition, he is a specialist in Project Evaluation and Development and holds an MBA in International Oil and Gas Management, with 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, with over 13 years of experience in the administration and coordination of the resources, processes, and methodologies required for the planning, development, execution, and closure of projects, and with over 12 years in the development and operation of hydrocarbon production fields in the Oil and Gas Industry and in gas transportation Projects and O&M.
His professional career has focused on the management and coordination of project resources, processes, and methodologies; the development and operation of hydrocarbon production fields; and the administration of gas transmission system operation and maintenance processes.
Professor Gabriel Ordóñez, from the UIS School of Electrical Engineering, recalls the now-designated president of Ecopetrol as a committed and disciplined student, always focused on thoroughly understanding his academic responsibilities. He notes that he was among the students who stood out for their performance and perseverance. In addition to his academic excellence, he describes him as an outgoing person, with the open and determined character typical of the Caribbean region, unafraid to participate in class, ask questions, and engage in dialogue, but always with respect. Although they reconnected in recent years at an alumni gathering, his work commitments prevented him from participating actively.
For Ordóñez, his current appointment reflects a career built on significant achievements throughout his professional life.
