Permian Basin explorer Pioneer Natural Resources Co. on Thursday announced a management shuffle, in part attributed to an evolving picture for Lower 48 oil and gas development.

Pioneer in Permian footprint

The Irving, TX-based independent also is tightening up its operations by laying off about 300 people combined from headquarters and Permian operations.

The management overhaul is taking effect Jan. 1 to support “continued goals” of delivering long-term shareholder value. Pioneer in August increased its 2020 oil production guidance by 2.5% to average 203,000-213,000 b/d, even after it curtailed about 7,000 b/d net in 2Q2020. At the time, the company said it would keep about 6,000 b/d shut-in for the foreseeable future because of low oil prices.

CEO Scott Sheffield, who helped build Pioneer into a...