Watson joined Chevron in 1980 as a financial analyst and went on to hold financial, analytical, and supervisory positions before being appointed president of Chevron Canada Ltd. in 1996. Two years later, he was named a corporate vice-president with responsibility for strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions.
In 2000, Watson led the company’s integration effort following Chevron’s merger with Texaco Inc. and then became the combined company’s chief financial officer. In 2005, he became president of Chevron International Exploration & Production. In April 2009, he was named vice-chairman of the company before being elected chairman and CEO in September of that year.
In a related move, Watson said Mark A. Nelson will become vice-president of midstream, strategy, and policy, also effective Feb. 1. In his new role, Nelson will be responsible for the company's supply and trading, shipping, pipeline, and power operating units. Nelson also will oversee corporate strategy, as well as policy, government, and public affairs.
Prior to his current position, Nelson served as Chevron’s president of international products, responsible for the refining and marketing businesses in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Before that, he was president of Chevron Canada.
