CALICHE IN THE NEWS

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NEW CCO NAMED AT CALICHE

Houston – July 29, 2021 Caliche – Caliche Development Partners, a Houston-based company focused on the development, construction, and operation of subsurface gas and liquid storage assets and related pipelines in North America, today welcomed Steve Markovich as chief commercial officer.

Exiting CCO Ron Baker planned a tenure shorter than his two decades at Koch Industries, with both he and the team intending for him to support Caliche’s expansion efforts and to help shape the company’s culture before his “second” retirement. Two years later as the company closes in on putting Caliche Coastal’s second cavern into service, and considers how best to provide storage to serve the olefins, industrial gas, and energy transition industries — Ron handpicked his replacement. “Ron’s input in the search process was invaluable, and I look forward to his continued role as an advisor to the Caliche board,” said Dave Marchese, Caliche’s chief executive officer.

Steve brings nearly three decades of comprehensive, chemicals and energy sales and marketing experience to Caliche. He spent the past 10 years managing and growing a $900+ million (revenue) portfolio of Sasol Chemical’s businesses that included their US Gulf Coast ethylene business as well as several global ethylene derivative businesses. Prior to Sasol, Steve held various leadership positions at Exxon, Praxair, and Celanese Chemical.

“Steve is not only extremely well versed in the industrial gas business, but someone with whom I’ve worked and trusted for over a decade in olefins,” said Baker.

Steve joined Caliche to explore more autonomy in an entrepreneurial setting, along with the excitement of growing a business with permitted expansion opportunities. In his new position, Steve is responsible for Caliche’s commercial success and ensuring all functions are aligned with the company’s strategic objectives, most notably serving as a regional leader in the sustainable energy transition.

Steve is based in Houston and reports directly to Dave Marchese, Caliche's chief executive officer, who added:

“Steve’s desire to continue serving the industries where he spent most of his career, while finding ways to allow those same customers to reduce their carbon footprint, set him apart as the individual Caliche needs right now for our growth.”

Steve has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Montana State University and an MBA with a concentration in Energy Finance from The University of Texas at Austin.

Sudduth Search served as the executive search firm for the position, bringing them to four successful placements for Caliche in the past year.

Finance Contact: David Saindon – dsaindon@calichestorage.com
Media Contact: Emily C. Walsh – emily@ecwcommunications.com

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