Watson named Chevron chairman, chief executive officer

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 30 -- Chevron Corp. has elected John S. Watson to serve as chairman and chief executive officer of the company effective Dec. 31.

Watson, who is currently vice-chairman, succeeds David J. O’Reilly, who will retire after a 41-year career, including 10 years as chairman and chief executive officer.

Chevron’s board also elected George L. Kirkland to be vice-chairman, succeeding Watson in that capacity. As vice-chairman and executive vice-president of upstream and gas, Kirkland will retain responsibility for overseeing Chevron’s global oil and gas exploration and production activities.

Watson has had a 29-year career with Chevron and was named vice-chairman on Apr. 1 (OGJ Online, Mar. 9, 2009).