aubrey kerr mcclendon (july 14, 1959 – march 2, 2016) was an american businessman. he was the founder and chief executive officer of american energy partners. he was also the co-founder and retired chief executive officer and chairman of chesapeake energy. he was an outspoken supporter for natural gas as a cleaner and safer alternative to oil and coal fuels. he was born in oklahoma city, oklahoma.