Upcoming US LNG producer Cheniere Energy is to lose its chief executive and founder Charif Souki just weeks before the company exports a historic first cargo from North America’s newest liquefaction plant.

Souki is standing down after investor Carl Icahn upped his shareholding in the company last week to 13.8% from 8.2% after he bought into the company in August.

Those close to the company say the unanimous vote to replace him came as a surprise to Souki.