Ecopetrol names Camilo Barco as interim president

Ecopetrol appointed Camilo Barco as its interim president on 15 September 2026 after Juan Carlos Hurtado submitted his resignation. Barco was serving as the company's corporate vice president of finance and sustainable value. Hurtado had signed a voluntary departure letter with an effective exit date of 15 October.

The leadership change follows an inquiry opened after authorities received a 43-minute audio recording. According to the investigative unit of El Tiempo, the recording was made during a breakfast roughly one and a half years ago. The conversation allegedly involved Catalan businessman Manel Grau, a contractor identified as Víctor, and Hurtado, focusing on efforts to influence appointments and contracts at Ecopetrol.

The company is scheduled to hold a shareholder meeting on 16 September 2026 to vote on board appointments and bylaw changes. Luis Felipe Henao is expected to retain his position as president of the board of directors. The proposed bylaws reform includes modifying article 20 to remove the rule requiring the retention of three prior board members during elections.

Barco brings more than 35 years of senior executive experience across investment banking and corporate governance. He holds a law degree from Universidad del Rosario and a specialization in financial law from Universidad de los Andes, alongside executive studies at Chicago Booth and the London School of Economics. His previous roles include leadership positions at Banco Itaú, BBVA, Grupo ISA, and A&M Consulting Colombia.