Helix Energy Solutions (NYSE: HLX) details CEO Owen Kratz retirement news
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Helix Energy Solutions Group announced an executive leadership transition as President and CEO Owen Kratz informed the board of his intention to retire. He plans to continue serving as CEO until the board appoints a successor to support continuity and a smooth transition.
The company also issued a press release on December 17, 2025 describing the leadership change, which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.
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Insights
Helix outlines an orderly CEO succession as Owen Kratz plans to retire.
Helix Energy Solutions Group states that President and CEO Owen Kratz has informed the board of his intention to retire as part of an executive leadership transition. The language emphasizes a planned process rather than a sudden change, which can reduce uncertainty around day-to-day management.
Kratz intends to remain CEO until the board appoints a successor, helping maintain leadership continuity while a replacement is selected. The company has also communicated the transition in a press release dated December 17, 2025, underscoring a transparent approach to this leadership shift for stakeholders.
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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CURRENT REPORT
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Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
(b) On December 17, 2025, Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that there will be an executive leadership transition at the Company. In relation to this, Owen Kratz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and member of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), informed the Board on December 17, 2025 of his intention to retire. To ensure leadership continuity and a smooth transition, Mr. Kratz intends to continue to serve as CEO until the Board has appointed a successor.
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On December 17, 2025, the Company issued a press release announcing the executive leadership transition at the Company. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and is incorporated by reference herein.
The information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and will not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated therein by reference.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: December 17, 2025 | | ||
HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP, INC. | |||
By: | /s/ Kenneth E. Neikirk | ||
Kenneth E. Neikirk | |||
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | |||
FAQ
What executive leadership change did Helix Energy Solutions (HLX) announce?
Helix Energy Solutions Group announced that President and CEO Owen Kratz informed the board of his intention to retire as part of an executive leadership transition.
Will Owen Kratz remain CEO of Helix Energy Solutions (HLX) during the transition?
Yes. The company states that Owen Kratz intends to continue serving as CEO until the board of directors has appointed a successor.
When did Helix Energy Solutions (HLX) announce the CEO transition?
The company announced the executive leadership transition on December 17, 2025.
Did Helix Energy Solutions (HLX) issue a press release about the CEO retirement?
Yes. Helix issued a press release dated December 17, 2025 announcing the executive leadership transition, furnished as Exhibit 99.1.
Which exhibit relates to the leadership transition at Helix Energy Solutions (HLX)?
The leadership transition is described in Exhibit 99.1, a press release of Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. dated December 17, 2025.
