John B. Hess Appointed to Chevron’s Board of Directors: A Strategic Addition to Global Energy Leadership
Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, has officially announced the appointment of John B. Hess to its Board of Directors. This move marks a significant milestone, bringing one of the industry’s most respected and experienced leaders into Chevron’s governance structure at a transformative moment for both the company and the broader energy sector.
John B. Hess, age 71, is best known for his long-standing leadership at Hess Corporation, a global exploration and production company. He served as Chief Executive Officer from 1995 until 2025 and was Chairman of the Board from 1995 to 2013. During his nearly three-decade tenure as CEO, Hess was instrumental in steering the company through a major strategic transformation. Under his guidance, Hess Corporation evolved from an integrated oil and gas enterprise into a streamlined, global, independent exploration and production company with a robust international presence and a strong emphasis on value creation, operational discipline, and shareholder returns.
Strategic Vision and Industry Influence
Chevron Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth welcomed Hess to the board with enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to welcome John Hess to Chevron’s Board. John not only built a great company, he is a highly respected industry leader, and our Board will benefit from his global experience, relationships, and expertise.”
Indeed, Hess’s career has been defined by a unique blend of strategic foresight, global perspective, and an ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. His leadership has consistently reflected an ability to align corporate strategy with market dynamics, regulatory change, and technological evolution, particularly in the upstream oil and gas space. His experience developing long-term partnerships across regions such as South America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia brings valuable insight to Chevron’s own portfolio and international strategy.
Hess responded to his appointment with optimism and a forward-looking spirit. “I am delighted to join Chevron’s Board of Directors at such an important time for the energy industry,” he said. “I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to advance the company’s mission to meet the world’s growing energy needs safely and responsibly and to create significant value for shareholders.”
A Lifetime of Leadership Across Sectors
Beyond his accomplishments at Hess Corporation, John Hess has built an impressive portfolio of leadership roles across business, policy, and civic institutions. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Goldman Sachs, one of the world’s leading investment banks, where his strategic input helps shape decisions affecting global financial markets.
He is also a Trustee at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a prominent Washington-based think tank focused on international public policy, where energy security and geopolitical risk are central themes. These affiliations underscore Hess’s stature not only as a corporate executive but also as a thought leader whose insights bridge the corporate, governmental, and academic spheres.
His prior contributions to the U.S. Secretary of Energy Advisory Board Quadrennial Review Task Force highlight his role in advising on federal energy strategy. In that capacity, Hess helped guide long-term national energy planning, reflecting his commitment to balancing energy innovation with national and economic security.
Additionally, Hess served as Chairman of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the industry’s largest national trade association. In this role, he advocated for sound regulatory frameworks, industry best practices, and sustainable resource development, all of which align closely with Chevron’s operational priorities.
Global Affiliations and Institutional Influence
Hess is affiliated with a number of influential international organizations. As a member of The Business Council, The Trilateral Commission, and the Council on Foreign Relations, he regularly engages with global business and policy leaders on matters ranging from trade to climate policy to transnational investment. These affiliations position him as a valuable resource for Chevron as the company navigates international regulatory frameworks, carbon markets, and supply chain resiliency.
His civic contributions are equally notable. Hess serves on the Boards of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the New York Philharmonic, two of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the United States. His involvement in the arts demonstrates a broader commitment to public service and cultural stewardship, values that increasingly intersect with corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities.
Hess is also a Trustee of Mount Sinai Hospital, one of New York’s top medical and research institutions, emphasizing his dedication to healthcare, community support, and philanthropy.
Academic Excellence and Ongoing Engagement
A strong academic foundation underpins Hess’s accomplishments. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS), two of the most prestigious academic institutions globally. At Harvard Business School, Hess is a member of the Board of Dean’s Advisors, contributing to the school’s long-term strategic initiatives and leadership development efforts. Notably, he also served as Chairman of the Harvard Business School Campaign, a multi-year fundraising and innovation effort designed to enhance HBS’s global impact and curricular innovation.
This background gives Hess an informed perspective on leadership development, corporate governance, and innovation—elements critical to Chevron as it continues to invest in next-generation technologies, artificial intelligence, carbon management, and energy transition solutions.
Joining Chevron at a Pivotal Moment
Hess’s addition to Chevron’s Board comes at a pivotal time. The global energy landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by shifts in consumer demand, environmental policy, technological innovation, and geopolitical uncertainties. Oil and gas companies are increasingly tasked with balancing traditional hydrocarbon operations with lower-carbon and renewable energy investments.
Chevron is actively investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen, renewable fuels, and digital energy infrastructure. With its acquisition of Hess Corporation recently approved, John Hess’s direct knowledge of the acquired company’s assets—particularly in the Guyana offshore basin—could provide additional operational and strategic insights. Guyana, home to some of the world’s most promising oil discoveries in recent years, remains a critical growth area for Chevron post-acquisition.
In this context, Hess’s experience developing upstream assets and navigating host-country agreements is expected to be instrumental. His understanding of project execution, local partnerships, and capital allocation in frontier regions is highly aligned with Chevron’s international strategy.
