The Honorable Francis R. Fannon was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the inaugural Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources.
In serving as “America’s Energy Diplomat,” Frank led whole-of-government initiatives around the world to open markets and build resilient supply chains. By partnering with governments and companies, Frank and his team advanced major energy and infrastructure deals worth tens of billions of dollars.
Frank elevated global awareness that minerals and metals are foundational to America’s defense and clean energy industries. He led efforts to help countries responsibly develop their mining sector and fostered more transparent metals markets. Frank established the multi-country Energy Resources Governance Initiative, which was the precursor for the current administration’s resource-focused foreign policy, including the Minerals Security Partnership.
As Managing Director of BHP, Frank established the company’s U.S. Corporate Affairs function. He created and led a comprehensive strategy to support the company’s evolving footprint, expand its American shareholder base, and shape its climate change strategy. Before BHP, Frank led Murphy Oil’s Government Affairs function where he facilitated new country entry in multiple nations, and managed global stakeholder engagement.
Frank helped to shape American energy policy while serving in senior positions on Capitol Hill. As counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, Frank drafted and negotiated key sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, including the hydraulic fracturing provisions that unleashed the shale revolution.
Frank is currently Managing Director of Fannon Global Advisors, a premier strategic consultancy helping business leaders find opportunities in the energy transition and geopolitics. He is a frequent public speaker and commentator on the geopolitics of energy and has served on multiple mining, energy technology, and financial industry advisory boards. Frank is a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and a non-resident Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic & International Studies.