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Demetrius G. Scofield served as the first CEO of Standard Oil Co. of California (later Chevron).
He led the company through a period of expansion in oil exploration, production, and distribution across California and the Southwest.
Scofield focused on disciplined growth—overseeing the construction of an oil tanker fleet and expanded refining capacity—but faced a tad of criticism over fuel pricing,
He resigned after supporting America’s World War I efforts.
Kenneth R. Kingsbury led Standard Oil of California (Chevron) as CEO, overseeing its transformation from a regional company into a global oil powerhouse via expansion of infrastructure, and was the first to send oil exports to Asia.
He saw some impressive growth in his time but was marred by controversy in the 1930s when he cracked down harshly on labor protests at his refineries.
William H. Berg is probably best known as CEO during the discovery of Saudi Arabia’s massive Ghawar Field.
During his leadership, Berg oversaw new pipeline construction and initiated military petroleum supplies to help with the war effort.
Harry D. Collier was CEO of Standard Oil of California twice.
He continued the critical wartime expansion set by Berg.
His big post-war focus was on growth in petrochemicals and international markets.
Collier also had a few controversies, like price-fixing scandals and environmental concerns.
However, under his 25-year leadership, the company transformed into a global energy giant, with revenues growing more than 15-fold—thanks to his strategic expansion of production, refining capacity, and retail operations.
R. Gwin Follis helped transition the company from a wartime contractor to meeting post-war civilian demand.
Follis maintained operational excellence during his short tenure and guided the company through one of the oil industry’s most disruptive eras.
Theodore S. Petersen headed Standard Oil of California into expanded operations through oil exploration, acquisitions, and diversification (aviation, petrochemicals, and atomic energy).
Petersen faced an onslaught of environmental criticism and price manipulation allegations; however, he wisely helped the company through vertical integration and strategic partnerships.
He’s also credited with major oil discoveries in Sumatra and Alaska’s Cook Inlet.
While overseeing major geographic expansion, diversification into natural gas and nuclear power Otto N. Miller helped Standard Oil of California (Chevron) see a nearly fivefold revenue increase.
Miller also had to deal with oil spill incidents and investigations into the company’s conduct during the 1973 OPEC crisis.
Harold J. Haynes led Standard Oil of California as CEO during a turbulent period marked by the 1969 California oil spill and the 1973 OPEC oil embargo.
Under his leadership, the company invested in pollution control and safety measures while modernizing operations through diversification into new energy sectors.
The company was also restructured into seven divisions before his retirement.
George M. Keller led what was now Chevron through a transformative period as CEO—overseeing the landmark $13.2 billion Gulf Oil acquisition in 1984 and the company’s rebranding into Chevron.
Under his leadership, oil prices were volatile, but he was able to expand Chevron’s operations through new discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico and North Sea.
Keller created one of the industry’s first environmental departments before his retirement amid growing concerns that came from the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster.
Kenneth T. Derr focused his time on major international expansions into Kazakhstan, Africa, and Latin America, as well as diversification into areas like biofuels and power cogeneration.
His tenure saw significant growth including Australia’s largest industrial investment at the time—however, Derr faced issues with the Asian Financial Crisis and controversies over oil operations in Nigeria and California—leaving him no choice but to implement new corporate responsibility policies before his retirement.
As CEO, David J. O’Reilly made big moves by acquiring Texaco in 2001 and doubling down on global expansions.
O’Reilly had to deal with controversy over Texaco’s environmental legacy in Ecuador and the 2008 financial crisis.
He’s celebrated for doubling profits and diversifying into renewable energy before his 2009 retirement.
John S. Watson led Chevron as CEO, navigating both boom years with record profits and $100+ oil prices as well as severe downturns requiring major cost cuts when prices crashed below $30.
Watson expanded Chevron’s LNG and shale operations and delivered strong shareholder returns.
The company was also facing ongoing environmental disputes in Ecuador and oil spills in Brazil and California.
Michael K. Wirth has led Chevron as Chairman and CEO since 2018.
He successfully led the company through extreme market volatility while achieving record profits and surpassing ExxonMobil as the most profitable integrated oil major.
Wirth has positioned Chevron for the energy transition through $30 billion in acquisitions and investments in renewable fuels, hydrogen, and carbon reduction technologies.
He has recently set a goal of net zero emissions from operations by 2050.
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