Lawrence G. Rawl

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_G._Rawl

Lawrence G. Rawl (May 4, 1928 – February 14, 2005) was the Chairman and CEO of Exxon from 1985 to 1993.

Rawl was born in Lyndhurst, New Jersey in 1928. Toward the end of World War II, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.In 1952, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Oklahoma, joining Humble Oil and Refining as drilling engineer.

By 1980, he was named a senior vice president and director of Exxon Corporation. In 1985, he was named president of the corporation; and in 1987, he became chairman and CEO. During his tenure as head of Exxon, he moved the corporate headquarters from New York to Irving, Texas, increased reserves, and expanded the chemical operations of the corporation.

He was at the helm of the company when the Exxon Valdez oil spill went occurred in 1989. He faced criticism for his response to the oil spill — his slow public response and demeanor in interviews were noted and the focus of criticism of the company.

Rawl retired from Exxon in 1993 at the mandatory retirement age of 65 after 41 years with the company. He died at age 76 on February 13, 2005 in Fort Worth, Texas.