OREANDA-NEWS. June 19, 2014. Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) named Robert Peterson as President of its wholly owned subsidiary Occidental Chemical Corporation (OxyChem), succeeding Chuck Anderson, who will retire on July 31, 2014. The appointment of Mr. Peterson, who has served as Senior Vice President, Basic Chemicals, since 2009, will be effective August 1.

An 18-year veteran of OxyChem, Mr. Peterson, 43, has held increasingly senior positions in manufacturing, sales and marketing. He served as Vice President, Vinyls, from 2006 through 2008, before his promotion to his current position. Mr. Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s of Business Administration in Corporate Finance from the University of Florida.

Mr. Anderson, 55, began his career with OxyChem in 1981. He held positions in engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and other business areas before assuming responsibility for the strategic direction of the company. He was promoted to President in February 2006, guiding OxyChem’s sustained growth and launching key projects, including the construction of a new chlor-alkali plant in Tennessee and a joint venture to build an ethylene cracker in Ingleside, Texas. In 2012, Mr. Anderson served as chairman of the American Chemistry Council, the industry’s influential trade association.

“Rob brings an exceptional balance of operational experience, financial discipline and strong management as we continue to drive growth and results for OxyChem. Rob will be a superb asset to our management team, and I look forward to working with him,” said Stephen I. Chazen, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We wish Chuck all the best in his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership as President of OxyChem. His vision and guidance have been instrumental to the company’s sustained profitability and excellent safety performance during his tenure.”