Chesapeake Energy director Louis Simpson resigns

Chesapeake Energy board member Louis Simpson resigns; Service Corp. CEO eyed for board seat

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Chesapeake Energy Corp. said Friday that Thomas L. Ryan has been chosen to join the company's board of directors, taking the seat of Louis A. Simpson, who has resigned.

Ryan is president and chief executive of Service Corp. International, which operates a network of funeral homes and cemeteries.

Ryan will stand for election at the company's annual meeting of shareholders on June 14. He has already been appointed to the board's audit committee, replacing R. Brad Martin, who is becoming chair of the nominating, corporate governance and social responsibility committee.

Simpson was elected to Chesapeake's board in June 2011. The company said he left the board to pursue his business interests.

Chesapeake Energy shares ended regular trading up 10 cents at $19.25. The stock is up 16 percent this year.