Key facts
- Lee Raymond, former CEO and chairman of ExxonMobil, died on June 6, 2026, at age 87.
- Raymond led ExxonMobil from 1999 to 2005, overseeing the company's merger with Mobil.
- He was a vocal skeptic of climate change and opposed regulations to curb global warming.
- An Exxon spokesperson described Raymond as a remarkable leader who transformed the global energy landscape.
Lee Raymond, the former chief executive officer and chairman of ExxonMobil, died on June 6, 2026, at the age of 87. Raymond led the company from 1999 to 2005, a period that included the significant merger with Mobil, creating the energy behemoth ExxonMobil. He had previously served as CEO of Exxon starting in 1993 and joined the company in 1963, eventually becoming president in 1987.
During his tenure, Raymond was a prominent figure in his outspoken opposition to regulations aimed at curbing global warming. He publicly questioned the scientific consensus on climate change, with internal Exxon research reportedly acknowledging the role of human activity. An Exxon spokesperson acknowledged Raymond's impact, stating he was a "remarkable leader who transformed not just ExxonMobil, but the global energy landscape."
Raymond's career at Exxon spanned over four decades. He was succeeded by Rex W. Tillerson. Upon his retirement at the end of 2005, his retirement package was reported to be worth approximately $400 million.