Mike Wirth

Mike Wirth has been chairman and CEO of Chevron since February 2018, leading one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the United States. Chevron explores for, produces, refines, and markets oil and gas globally, making Wirth a central figure in U.S. and world energy supply.

In 2025 Wirth completed Chevron's $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation, closing on July 18, 2025 after a favorable arbitration ruling over Hess's prized offshore Guyana assets. The deal strengthened Chevron's positions in Guyana and the Permian Basin, and cleared the way for John Hess to join Chevron's board.

As leader of a supermajor, Wirth's decisions on production, capital spending, and the balance between fossil fuels and lower-carbon investments shape energy markets, prices, and the trajectory of the energy transition.

What they control

• Chevron's global oil and gas production and reserves
• Refining, marketing, and chemicals operations
• Major positions in the Permian Basin and (via Hess) offshore Guyana
• Capital allocation between fossil fuels and lower-carbon ventures
• Board governance as chairman

Key institutions & holdings

Key facts

• Chairman and CEO of Chevron since February 2018.
• Completed Chevron's $53 billion acquisition of Hess on July 18, 2025.
• The deal followed a favorable arbitration ruling over Hess's offshore Guyana assets.
• Strengthened Chevron's positions in Guyana and the Permian Basin.
• Targeted $1 billion in run-rate cost synergies by the end of 2025.

Timeline

1. 2018-02Becomes chairman and CEO of Chevron.
2. 2023Chevron agrees to acquire Hess for $53 billion.
3. 2025-07-18Completes the Hess acquisition after winning Guyana arbitration.

Controversies

Network

• John HessAcquired-company CEO / new board memberJoined Chevron's board after the acquisition closed.
• ExxonMobilRival / arbitration counterpartyContested the Guyana asset rights in the Hess deal.