Michael Kehs is returning to Hill+Knowlton Strategies as head of the U.S. energy practice and Houston outpost.

kehsThe former head of the WPP unit’s PA practice and D.C. office has been running his own firm since last year.

Previously, he was VP-strategic affairs and PR at Chesapeake Energy Corp, the $17.5B Oklahoma City-based company.

At Chesapeake, Kehs handled internal/external communications, served as media spokesperson and produced its first corporate responsibility report. Flamboyant CEO Aubrey McClendon, architect of Chesapeake, cut ties with it last year.

Kehs, who did stints at Porter Novelli and Burson-Marsteller, rejoins H+K on March 17.

Chris Gidez remains as head of H+K’s global energy offering.