WPX Energy, Inc. announced that Ralph A. Hill will step down as president, chief executive officer and board member of the company and that the board of directors has appointed James J. Bender as interim president, CEO and board member, effective Dec. 31, 2013. Hill will remain with the company through March 31, 2014, to assist with the transition of his duties.

Bender served as the company's senior vice president and general counsel and as a member of the company's executive leadership team since the company spun off from Williams. Prior to the company, Bender served for nine years as senior vice president and general counsel of Williams. Bender will serve as the interim CEO until the selection process is complete. Dennis C. Cameron will replace Bender as the company's senior vice president and general counsel. Cameron joined the company in January 2012 and most recently served as vice president and deputy general counsel of the company.