HOUSTON (June 21, 2023) – The Greater Houston Partnership today announced that energy executive Steve Kean has been selected as the business organization’s next president and CEO. Kean will assume the role later this fall, succeeding the current president and CEO, Bob Harvey, who announced his plans to retire earlier this year. 

“We are thrilled to have someone of Steve’s caliber leading the Partnership,” said Dr. Marc L. Boom, Partnership board chair and president and CEO of Houston Methodist. “Steve brings incredible business acumen and leadership skills to the organization. Coupled with an extraordinary passion for Houston, he will build on the Partnership’s momentum to continue to advance greater Houston as a region of extraordinary growth and opportunity.”

Kean, 62, is currently the chief executive officer of Kinder Morgan, Inc. Earlier this year, Kean announced he would transition out of his position at the company effective August 1, 2023. He will remain on the Kinder Morgan board of directors. Kean plans to assume the Partnership role no later than December 1, 2023. Bob Harvey will stay in his role at the Partnership until that transition.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our region in this role.  I look forward to building on what Bob, the Board, members, and staff of the Partnership have accomplished.  I know first-hand the opportunities that a vibrant business sector can create for people and communities.  I look forward to expanding those opportunities further.”

Kean joined Kinder Morgan in 2002 and has held numerous senior management positions within the company, including Chief Operating Officer, President of Natural Gas Pipelines and President of Kinder Morgan, Inc.

“Steve has done a superb job as CEO of Kinder Morgan for the past eight years. He has the ability to understand and execute on the big picture and yet pay attention to the details that often make the difference between success and failure in any organization,” said Rich Kinder, Executive Chairman, Kinder Morgan, Inc. and Chairman, Kinder Foundation. “I think his skill set is a good fit for his new role at the Partnership and am sure he will do an outstanding job, building on the successful accomplishments of Bob Harvey and the team.” 

Kean has worked in the energy industry since 1985 in various commercial, operational and legal positions, primarily in the wholesale energy and energy transportation and storage sectors. He holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and a law degree from the University of Iowa.

Steve’s wife Melissa recently retired as Rice Centennial Historian.  The couple has two married daughters and five grandchildren. 

Bob Harvey

Retiring president and CEO, Bob Harvey, 67, joined the Partnership in September 2012 and oversaw an expansion of the Partnership’s reach and influence during a period of rapid growth and change for the region.

“This last decade has been a dynamic time for Houston and the Partnership. As a life-long Houstonian, it has been an honor to focus my efforts on supporting Houston’s continued growth and working with the business community to create opportunities for all Houstonians,” said Harvey. “This is an exciting time for Houston.  I am very pleased that Steve is enthusiastic about leading the Partnership, and I look forward to the organization’s continued success under his leadership.”

Under Bob Harvey’s leadership, the Partnership strengthened its position as a significant force for progress in the community, attracted an active board of 140 top leaders in Houston, and assembled a highly skilled and committed leadership team and staff.

“We are grateful to Bob Harvey for his leadership over the past eleven years as the Partnership grew its influence in the community and advanced the region to new heights,” said Marc Boom. “The Partnership is an impactful organization with strong board and staff leadership, and Bob certainly set a high bar. Because of Bob’s leadership, we know Steve is set-up to succeed.”

Search Process

Late last year, Bob Harvey notified the Partnership’s board of his intent to retire at the end of this year. This led 2022 board chair, Thad Hill, to appoint a CEO search committee that was chaired by Marc Watts and included Marc Boom, Thad Hill, Paul Hobby, Gina Luna, Eric Mullins, Armando Perez, and Ruth Simmons. 
The committee retained the services of Spencer Stuart to manage the search, which included a diverse slate of more than 70 highly-qualified Houston leaders, with both external and internal candidates. 

“The committee was encouraged by both the breadth of the candidate pool and the deep desire among so many Houston leaders to serve the Houston region through the Partnership,” said Marc Boom. “Houston’s future is bright, with a dedicated business community that is committed to driving growth and opportunity for all Houstonians.”

###