Tallgrass names Heter CEO, expands Watkins’ role

Tallgrass has appointed Crystal Heter as president and chief executive officer as the company transitions leadership while maintaining focus on its core midstream and infrastructure businesses.

Heter succeeds Matt Sheehy, who has served as president since 2019 and as CEO since 2022. Sheehy will step aside after overseeing a period of growth that included expanding the company’s asset base, advancing CO₂ transportation and sequestration infrastructure and growing Tallgrass to approximately $1 billion in EBITDA.

Crystal Heter

Heter most recently served as chief operating officer and was part of the founding team that established Tallgrass in 2012. During her tenure, she has held leadership roles across the company, including overseeing its natural gas transportation segment and serving as president of the Rockies Express Pipeline, one of the company’s key long-haul gas assets.

The company said her experience positions her to guide continued execution across its gas transportation, storage and energy transition-related businesses.

“Crystal is a proven leader with deep industry expertise and a clear strategic vision,” said Matthew Runkle, a Tallgrass director and senior managing director in Blackstone’s Infrastructure Group. Runkle will assume the role of chairman of the board.

As part of the leadership changes, Gary Watkins, currently chief financial officer, will also take on the role of chief investment officer, reflecting an increased focus on capital allocation and growth opportunities.

Tallgrass said the transition underscores continuity in strategy, with an emphasis on disciplined execution, safe and reliable operations and long-term value creation.