Halliburton CEO History

HALLIBURTON CEO HISTORY: FROM ERLE TO JEFF

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LIST OF CEOS OF HALLIBURTON

  • Erle P. Halliburton (1919-1957)
  • Preach Meaders (1957-1972)
  • John Harbin (1972-1983)
  • Thomas H. Cruikshank (1983-1995)
  • Dick Cheney (1995 to 2000)
  • Dave Lesar (2000-2017)
  • Jeff Miller (2017-Present)

ERLE P. HALLIBURTON (FOUNDER OF HALIBURTON)

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Erle P. Halliburton, a pioneering entrepreneur, founded the New Method Oil Well Cementing Company in 1919, which later became the globally recognized Halliburton Company.

Under his leadership, the company introduced revolutionary cementing techniques and equipment, such as the jet mixer and the measuring line, which greatly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of oil well cementing.

Halliburton's early successes led to rapid expansion, with the company establishing its first foreign ventures in Burma and India in 1926, and subsequently opening offices in various countries across Europe, South America, and the Middle East.

Despite these achievements, Halliburton faced challenges during the Great Depression, but managed to persevere and continue its growth throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

Erle P. Halliburton's tenure as the company's leader ended with his death in 1957.

PREACH MEADERS

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Following Erle P. Halliburton's death in 1957, Preach Meaders assumed the roles of President, Chairman, and CEO of Halliburton Company.

Under Meaders' leadership, Halliburton continued to expand its global presence, establishing subsidiaries in various countries and acquiring companies such as Welex, which specialized in jet perforation, and Otis Engineering, a provider of pressure control equipment for oil and gas wells.

Meaders also oversaw the company's entry into the offshore drilling market in 1959, when Halliburton cemented its first offshore well using a truck on a barge off the Louisiana coast.

However, during this period, Halliburton faced increased competition in the oil and gas industry, leading to pressure on profit margins and the need for further innovation.

Despite these challenges, Meaders' tenure saw Halliburton's revenues surpass $100 million for the first time in 1952.

JOHN HARBIN

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John Harbin took the helm as Chairman, President, and CEO of Halliburton Company in 1972, guiding the company through a period of significant growth and technological advancement.

Under Harbin's leadership, Halliburton expanded its research and development efforts, opening a new 500,000 sq ft manufacturing center in Duncan, Oklahoma, in 1964 and launching the first digital computer logging system in 1974 through its subsidiary, Gearhart Industries.

Harbin also oversaw the company's continued international expansion, with Halliburton establishing a base camp at Prudhoe Bay on Alaska's North Slope in 1969 and working on projects in various countries, including China and the Soviet Union.

However, during this period, Halliburton faced challenges related to the volatile oil and gas market, with fluctuating prices and geopolitical tensions affecting the company's operations.

Despite these obstacles, Harbin's tenure saw Halliburton's revenues continue to grow, with the company pumping its billionth sack of cement for customers in 1983.

THOMAS H. CRUIKSHANK

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Thomas Cruikshank served as Chairman and CEO of Halliburton from 1983 to 1995.

Under Cruikshank's leadership, Halliburton focused on enhancing its technology and services, opening a new research center in Duncan, Oklahoma, in 1980 and acquiring logging and perforating specialist company Gearhart Industries in 1989, which was combined with Halliburton's subsidiary Welex to form Halliburton Logging Services.

Cruikshank also guided the company through the challenges posed by the 1980s oil glut, which led to a significant decline in oil prices and reduced demand for oilfield services.

Despite these difficulties, Halliburton continued to expand its international presence during Cruikshank's tenure, with its subsidiaries working on projects in various countries, including China and the Soviet Union.

However, Cruikshank's tenure was not without controversy, as Halliburton faced allegations of violating federal trade barriers in Iraq and Libya during the early 1990s, which resulted in fines and penalties for the company.

DICK CHENEY

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Dick Cheney, who would later serve as the 46th Vice President of the United States, assumed the role of Chairman and CEO of Halliburton in 1995.

During his tenure, Cheney focused on expanding Halliburton's global presence and increasing its revenue streams, particularly in the Middle East.

Under his leadership, Halliburton acquired Dresser Industries in 1998, which included the M.W. Kellogg division, forming a new subsidiary called Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR).

This acquisition significantly expanded Halliburton's business in the engineering and construction sector.

However, Cheney's time at Halliburton was not without controversy, as the company faced accusations of improper business practices, including alleged overbilling on government contracts and violating sanctions against Iran through a foreign subsidiary.

These issues would continue to dog Cheney during his time as Vice President, with critics raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the company's close ties to the government.

DAVE LESAR

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Dave Lesar served as the CEO of Halliburton from 2000 to 2017, taking over the reins from Dick Cheney.

During his 17-year tenure, Lesar navigated the company through numerous challenges and controversies while also overseeing significant growth and expansion.

Under Lesar's leadership, Halliburton became deeply involved in the Iraq War, securing lucrative government contracts for oilfield services and reconstruction work.

However, this involvement also led to intense scrutiny and criticism, with allegations of overcharging, fraud, and poor management.

Lesar also faced the fallout from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, in which Halliburton was implicated for its role in the cementing of the failed well.

Despite these challenges, Halliburton's revenue and global presence continued to grow under Lesar's guidance, with the company expanding its operations in key markets such as the Middle East and North America.

Lesar's tenure also saw the company's failed attempt to acquire rival Baker Hughes in a $35 billion deal, which was ultimately scuttled due to antitrust concerns.

While Lesar's leadership brought financial success to Halliburton, his time as CEO was also marked by significant controversies that damaged the company's reputation.

JEFF MILLER

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Jeff Miller assumed the role of President at Halliburton on August 1, 2014, and later took over as CEO on June 1, 2017.

Since taking the helm, Miller has focused on steering Halliburton through the challenges posed by the volatile oil and gas market, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing energy transition.

Under Miller's leadership, Halliburton has emphasized technological innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable practices to adapt to the changing industry landscape.

This has included investments in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and renewable energy services.

However, Miller's tenure has not been without its challenges, as the company has faced increased competition from rivals, pressure from investors to improve financial performance, and the need to navigate the complex geopolitical environment in key markets such as the Middle East.

Despite these obstacles, Halliburton has remained a major player in the global oilfield services industry under Miller's guidance, securing significant contracts and maintaining its strong market position.

As the energy industry continues to evolve, Miller's leadership will be crucial in shaping Halliburton's strategy and ensuring its long-term success in the face of new challenges and opportunities.

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