OREANDA-NEWS. October 15, 2014. Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) announced that Rhonda I. Zygocki, executive vice president, Policy and Planning, has elected to retire from the company after 34 years of outstanding service effective Feb. 1, 2015.  The company also said it is making new reporting assignments for several executives.

"Over the course of her career, Rhonda made many significant contributions to our business and distinguished herself as one of our most versatile and proven leaders," said John Watson, Chevron's chairman and chief executive officer.  "Her operating experience in Canada, the United States and Australia, combined with her strong background in a number of key functional areas, made her an invaluable member of our executive committee and one of my most trusted advisors on governance and public policy issues." 

Zygocki is a native of St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.  She began her career in petroleum engineering with Chevron Canada Resources in Calgary after graduating in 1980 from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. In 2011, Memorial University honored Zygocki as its Alumna of the Year for her career achievements and many contributions inside and outside Chevron. 

During her career at Chevron, Zygocki held positions of increasing responsibility, including managing director of Chevron Australia. As a senior officer in the company, Zygocki was central in the design and implementation of Chevron's Operational Excellence Management System that elevated the company's approach to health, safety, environmental stewardship and reliability. She also advanced Chevron's approach to enterprise risk management; evolved its stance on important public policy issues, such as climate change and human rights; expanded Chevron's global social investments and partnerships; and represented the company on a range of health, education and economic development issues, including Chevron's substantial effort to fight HIV/AIDS.

Zygocki's contributions also have extended beyond Chevron.  She serves on the board of directors of the United States Energy Association and GBCHealth; the board of trustees of the San Francisco Ballet; and the advisory board of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars' Canada Institute. 

Following the announcement of Zygocki's pending retirement, three new reporting assignments are being announced effective Jan. 1, 2015:

Steve Green, vice president, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, and Joe Naylor, vice president, Strategic Planning, will report to John Watson.

Wes Lohec, vice president, Health, Environment and Safety, will report to Joe Geagea, senior vice president, Technology, Projects and Services.

"These executives have distinguished themselves as leaders in our company, and the appointments will ensure a smooth transition following Rhonda's retirement," Watson said.