Robert W. Best was appointed Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors in October 2010. Best was named Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atmos Energy Corporation in March 1997. Before joining Atmos Energy, Best was Senior Vice President, Regulated Businesses, of Consolidated Natural Gas Company from 1996 to 1997 and President of Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corporation from 1992 to 1995. From 1985 to 1995, Best was President of Texas Gas Transmission Corporation. He was Vice President and General Counsel of Texas Gas from 1981 to 1985 and Senior Attorney from 1974 to 1981.

Best, a native of Indiana, earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana State University and a J.D. degree from the University of Indiana.