Harold J. “Bill” Haynes, former chairman and CEO of Chevron Corp.’s predecessor company Standard Oil Company of California, died Wednesday. He was 83. Haynes interrupted his college studies to join the U.S. Navy during World War II. He then graduated from Texas A&M University and began a 34-year career with Standard Oil. He was named president in 1969 and chairman and CEO in 1974. Haynes retired in 1981. He also spent 28 years as a consultant and adviser to the Bechtel companies, the Bechtel family and Fremont Group, a private investment company. “Bill drove tremendous growth in the company and solidified its preeminent position in the industry by the time of his retirement,” said Chevron CEO Dave O’Reilly. “He left an indelible mark on our company, and our industry, by encouraging open dialogue and challenging conventional thinking. He ushered in a new era of communication between the industry, public and news media on energy issues that was truly trend-setting. I speak for our board of directors and employees in saying we are deeply saddened by his passing.”

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