Not two months ago, Cheniere Energy (LNG) replaced founding CEO/Chairman Charif Souki. Whether one likes him or not, he was the reason for the spectacular gains. It may seem prudent to replace the founding CEO, but the other firms to make such moves include Chesapeake Energy (CHK) and SandRidge Energy (SDOC). As one can see from the chart, Cheniere Energy has headed nowhere but down in a similar path to the others. The latest news is that Cheniere Energy is closing a newly formed crude oil trading desk. The company hired an exec from BHP Billiton (BHP) to run the group. Whether the move is prudent, it highlights the disruptions from firing a founding CEO and changing the strategy. The better play is to avoid the stock if a founding CEO is acting bad. Disclosure: No positions mentioned