Trevor Rees-Jones

Early Life and Education

Trevor D. Rees-Jones was born in 1951. He graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts/Science and later earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law.

Rise to Success

Rees-Jones began his career as a bankruptcy attorney in Dallas. In 1984, he transitioned into the oil and gas industry and started Chief Oil & Gas in 1994. Under his leadership, Chief Oil & Gas became a major player in the Barnett Shale and Marcellus Shale, contributing significantly to the U.S. shale boom.

Key Business Strategies

Rees-Jones is known for his strategic approach, which includes identifying opportunities in emerging markets and making timely sales. He sold several deals over seven years for $7 billion. His ability to adapt and capitalize on market trends has been key to his success. His expertise in the industry led to a $2.65 billion deal with Chesapeake Energy.

Philanthropy

Rees-Jones and his wife, Jan, established the Rees-Jones Foundation in 2006. The foundation supports various initiatives in North Texas, Africa, and India, focusing on improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children, youth, and families. Their giving includes support for medical research and education. The Rees-Jones Foundation has made significant donations to UT Southwestern since 2016, aiding programs aimed at identifying and addressing mental health issues in youth. The foundation also supports initiatives focused on child welfare, healthcare, and community development.