Buckeye Partners Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Buckeye Partners has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, legal, and human capital management.

Focused on energy infrastructure and logistics, Buckeye Partners delivers reliable petroleum transport and storage solutions while advancing critical energy transition initiatives across North American markets.

Leadership Roles at Buckeye Partners

  • Chief Executive Officer - Todd Russo
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Clark Smith
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Forrest Wylie
  • Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise - Joe Sauger
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Kristopher Matula
  • Chief Legal Officer - Evan Hofmann
  • Chief People Officer - Charlene Tennison
  • Todd Russo - Chief Executive Officer

    Todd Russo, the Chief Executive Officer at Buckeye Partners, directs the overarching strategic vision for the energy infrastructure and logistics network. Overseeing the expansion of petroleum pipelines and storage terminals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between commercial customer requirements and long-term asset utilization. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while prioritizing operational safety and environmental responsibility across all regional facilities. By fostering innovation within the energy transition sector, Todd Russo drives the company toward sustainable growth and market resilience. The Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to optimize capital allocation and operational efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of the entire logistics chain, Russo secures the competitive position of the organization within the broader energy landscape, ensuring that infrastructure investments meet the evolving demands of refiners and wholesalers throughout the United States.
    Todd Russo

    Clark Smith - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Clark Smith, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Buckeye Partners, manages the executive leadership team to execute core business objectives regarding petroleum product distribution. Coordinating with internal stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer monitors the performance of the extensive network of storage terminals and related facilities. This role requires balancing immediate operational demands with the strategic pursuit of energy transition initiatives. Clark Smith evaluates market trends to refine the service offerings provided to marketers and commercial customers. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the reliability of the infrastructure assets. Smith champions a culture of safety and environmental compliance, ensuring that all logistics operations adhere to the highest industry standards. Through consistent focus on operational excellence, Smith strengthens the market presence of the company, delivering consistent value to stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of the vast pipeline network.
    Clark Smith

    Forrest Wylie - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Forrest Wylie, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Buckeye Partners, governs the strategic direction and corporate governance framework of the energy infrastructure enterprise. Leading the Board, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer aligns corporate policy with the mission of providing secure and efficient petroleum logistics. This position involves assessing long-term risks and opportunities within the energy sector to guide the company toward sustainable development. Forrest Wylie oversees the integration of new energy transition technologies into the existing pipeline and terminal infrastructure. By setting high standards for environmental responsibility, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains a leader in safe energy transport. Wylie facilitates high-level decision-making processes that impact the entire operational footprint. Through disciplined leadership, Wylie maintains the financial health and operational stability of the company, ensuring that all infrastructure assets continue to serve the needs of refiners and wholesalers effectively.

    Joe Sauger - Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise

    Joe Sauger, the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise at Buckeye Partners, architects the operational framework for the entire enterprise-wide logistics network. Focusing on the technical performance of petroleum pipelines and storage terminals, the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise optimizes the flow of liquid petroleum products for commercial customers. This role involves implementing advanced monitoring systems to ensure the safety and reliability of all infrastructure assets. Joe Sauger coordinates with regional managers to maintain operational efficiency across the diverse facility portfolio. By driving continuous improvement initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise reduces downtime and enhances the throughput capacity of the network. Sauger manages the integration of new logistics technologies to support the evolving energy transition goals of the company. Through meticulous oversight of daily operations, Sauger ensures that the infrastructure remains robust and capable of meeting the complex demands of the energy market.

    Kristopher Matula - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Kristopher Matula, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Buckeye Partners, executes the day-to-day operational strategy for the company's extensive petroleum infrastructure. Overseeing the maintenance and expansion of storage terminals, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all facilities operate at peak performance levels. This role involves managing the logistics of product transport to meet the specific needs of wholesalers and refiners. Kristopher Matula directs the operational teams to uphold strict safety protocols and environmental standards across all sites. By analyzing operational data, the President & Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities to improve service reliability and cost-effectiveness. Matula collaborates with other executives to align operational capabilities with the broader strategic goals of the organization. Through proactive management of the physical assets, Matula ensures that the company maintains its reputation for excellence in the energy logistics sector, supporting the overall growth and stability of the business.
    Evan Hofmann, the Chief Legal Officer at Buckeye Partners, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance framework for the energy infrastructure operations. Managing the legal risks associated with petroleum pipelines and storage terminals, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business activities adhere to federal and state environmental regulations. This role involves negotiating complex commercial contracts with refiners, marketers, and other industry partners. Evan Hofmann provides counsel to the executive team on governance matters and the legal implications of energy transition initiatives. By overseeing litigation and regulatory filings, the Chief Legal Officer protects the assets and reputation of the company. Hofmann works closely with the Board to ensure that corporate policies reflect the highest standards of legal integrity. Through diligent oversight of the legal landscape, Hofmann enables the company to pursue strategic growth opportunities while mitigating potential liabilities and ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws.

    Charlene Tennison - Chief People Officer

    Charlene Tennison, the Chief People Officer at Buckeye Partners, architects the human capital strategy to support the energy infrastructure and logistics mission. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce possesses the skills necessary to maintain safe and reliable operations. This role involves designing programs that promote safety, environmental responsibility, and professional growth across the entire company. Charlene Tennison aligns human resources initiatives with the strategic goals of the organization to foster a high-performance environment. By implementing effective leadership development and succession planning, the Chief People Officer strengthens the internal talent pipeline. Tennison collaborates with other executives to ensure that the company attracts and retains top-tier professionals in the energy sector. Through a focus on employee engagement and organizational health, Tennison drives the cultural transformation required to meet the evolving demands of the energy transition and long-term business success.
    Charlene Tennison

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Buckeye Partners Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Buckeye Partners?
    Buckeye Partners is led by Todd Russo (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Clark Smith (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Forrest Wylie (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Buckeye Partners’s executive team?
    The executive team of Buckeye Partners includes leaders such as Todd Russo (Chief Executive Officer), Clark Smith (President & Chief Executive Officer), Forrest Wylie (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Buckeye Partners have?
    Buckeye Partners has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Buckeye Partners’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Buckeye Partners includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer - Enterprise, President & Chief Operating Officer.