Kristen McWatters, CFO of Battalion Oil and Gas, has resigned less than seven months after being appointed. She handed in her resignation on August 2 and left two days later. Her duties will be covered by Matt Steele, the CEO and the other members of the finance department.

The company is based in NW Houston and has working interests in approximately 40,000 net acres in the Delaware Basin. Its market capitalization is currently $136 million. It also has $230 million of debt that carries an interest rate of over 12%.

The company was formerly known as Halcon Resources. It went into bankruptcy in August 2019. The company emerged in October 2019, having eliminated over $750 million of debt. In return, the debt holders got 91% of the newly reorganized equity. It changed its name to Battalion in January 2020.

In her resignation letter, Ms. McWatters did not give a reason for her departure, though she did say it was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to how the Company has operated, its policies or its practices, including its controls or financial related matters.

The SEC filing made no mention whether severance would be paid. If it were, it would be $150,000 or six months’ severance.

Ms. McWatters was appointed to the role on January 22 and she reported to then-CEO Rich Little.  About six weeks later, Mr. Little was replaced as CEO, leaving with a $1 million severance. The new CEO, Mr. Steele, was appointed with a lower base salary than Ms. McWatters.

SEC filing – 8-K – Battalion Oil CFO resignation