Veteran industry lobbyist to leave American Petroleum Institute

Marty Durbin, executive vice president and chief strategy officer of the American Petroleum Institute (API), announced Tuesday that he is set to leave the prominent oil industry group next month.

“After nearly ten years, it is time for me to step away, catch my breath, and determine how I will pursue my passions in the policy and political world, but also with A Wider Circle, a grassroots non-profit dedicated to ending poverty,” Durbin said in a statement announcing his departure.

{mosads}His last day will be Jan. 31. A replacement has not been named.

His departure follows another high-level shift at the organization. Mike Sommers took over as CEO in September after Jack Gerard stepped down the previous month.

Durbin’s announcement comes at a time when the industry is facing falling oil prices and fears of low demand and oversupply. Additionally, has been at odds with the White House on tariffs.

Durbin, a Democrat and the nephew of Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), started at API in 2009 but left in 2013 to work at America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA).

He returned in 2016 and oversaw the merger of API and ANGA.

API recently announced new hires Kenny Roberts, who worked for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and Elia Quintana, who worked at the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility.