US President-elect Donald Trump named the CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp as the country’s top diplomat, signalling close ties to the Russian government.
Word of Rex Tillerson’s possible appointment comes as U.S. intelligence analysts have concluded that Russia intervened in the 2016 election to help Mr. Trump win the White House.
The option of Mr. Tillerson further stocks Mr. Trump’s Cabinet and inner circle with people who favour a soft line toward Moscow.
Mr. Tillerson (64) has fuelled Exxon’s expansion in Russia for decades and opposed U.S. sanctions imposed on Russia for its seizure of Crimea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin honoured Mr. Tillerson with Russia’s Order of Friendship, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
Trump would also name John Bolton, a former US Ambassador to the United Nations, as Deputy-Secretary of State.
In 2011, Exxon signed a deal with Rosneft, Russia’s largest state-owned oil company, for joint oil exploration and production. Since then, the companies have formed 10 joint ventures for projects in Russia.
Who is Rex Tillerson?- CEO of Exxon Moobil
- Assumed office: Jan 1, 2006
- Preceded by: Lee Raymond
- 33rd President of the Boy Scouts of America.
- Political Party: Republican
- Awards: Russian order of Friendship(2013)
