Sempra Infrastructure names Bob Patel incoming CEO

Sempra Infrastructure has named Bhavesh “Bob” Patel as its incoming chief executive officer, positioning the former LyondellBasell and Standard Industries executive to lead the company as it prepares for a major ownership transition backed by global investors.

Patel will assume the role upon completion of the previously announced acquisition of a majority ownership stake in Sempra Infrastructure by a consortium led by KKR. He will also join the company’s board of directors.

Bhavesh “Bob” Patel

The appointment comes as Sempra Infrastructure advances several major LNG, pipeline and energy infrastructure projects across North America, including export developments along the Gulf Coast that are expected to play a growing role in global energy markets.

Current CEO Justin Bird will remain in his role until the transaction closes. Following the transition, Bird will continue as executive vice president of Sempra while serving on the Sempra Infrastructure board.

“Bob is a highly accomplished and respected global executive with deep experience leading complex energy, chemicals and industrial businesses,” Bird said. “We believe he is the right leader to guide Sempra Infrastructure in its next chapter of growth.”

Patel brings nearly four decades of experience in the energy and chemicals sectors. Most recently, he served as president of Standard Industries. Before that, he was CEO of LyondellBasell from 2015 to 2021, overseeing expansion projects, acquisitions and growth initiatives across global markets. Earlier in his career, Patel held leadership positions at Chevron and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co.

Patel said Sempra Infrastructure is well positioned to meet rising global demand for reliable energy supplies.

“The company has established a leading energy infrastructure platform in North America, supported by a talented team and a culture grounded in safety and execution,” Patel said.

The leadership change is tied to a transaction announced in September 2025 under which a KKR-led consortium will acquire a 65% equity stake in Sempra Infrastructure. Sempra will retain a 25% ownership interest, while the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority will continue to hold its existing 10% stake.

The deal underscores continued investor interest in North American energy infrastructure, particularly LNG export facilities and related midstream assets. Sempra Infrastructure has become a significant player in the LNG sector through developments such as the Energía Costa Azul LNG project in Mexico and the Port Arthur LNG project in Texas.

James Cunningham, a partner at KKR, said Patel’s experience leading large-scale industrial organizations makes him well suited to guide the company’s next phase of growth.

The ownership transition is expected to provide additional capital and strategic backing as Sempra Infrastructure pursues expansion opportunities across LNG, energy networks and lower-carbon energy solutions.