US LNG exporter Sempra Infrastructure, a unit of Sempra, has named Bhavesh “Bob” Patel as incoming chief executive officer. He will assume this role upon the closing of a KKR-led consortium’s previously announced acquisition of a majority ownership interest in the company.
According to a statement by Sempra Infrastructure on Monday, Patel will also join the company’s board of directors.
Justin Bird will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors and CEO of Sempra Infrastructure through the close of the acquisition, after which he will continue to serve as executive vice president at Sempra, while also serving on the Sempra Infrastructure board of directors.
Sempra Infrastructure said that Patel brings nearly forty years of leadership experience across the global chemicals and energy sectors.
Most recently, he served as president of Standard Industries, a global industrials company, and previously as chief executive officer of LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest chemical companies.
The leadership transition comes as a KKR-led consortium prepares to acquire a majority ownership interest in Sempra Infrastructure, as announced in September 2025.
Upon closing, the consortium will hold a 65 percent equity stake, while Sempra will retain a 25 percent interest alongside Abu Dhabi Investment Authority’s (ADIA) existing 10 percent stake.
“Sempra Infrastructure is well positioned to help meet growing global demand for reliable energy resources and I have been impressed by what Justin and the team have built,” said Patel.
“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. I look forward to building on that momentum in the years ahead,” he said.