SM Energy Company says that Anthony J. Best will retire from his role as the Company's Chief Executive Officer on January 31, 2015. In conjunction with this previously announced leadership transition, the Board of Directors appointed Javan D. Ottoson, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, to the Board effective as of September 26, 2014, and intends to appoint Mr. Ottoson as the Company's Chief Executive Officer upon Mr. Best's retirement.

Mr. Best has served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors since February 2007. He joined the Company in June 2006 as its President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Best will complete his current term as a member of the Board, and does not plan to stand for re-election to the Board of Directors at the Company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

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