LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) announced today that its board of directors has elected Casey Olson an Executive Vice President of the corporation. Mr. Olson, 51, also holds the position of President, Oxy Oil and Gas -- Eastern Hemisphere with responsibility for managing Occidental's operations in the Middle East, North Africa, Russia and Pakistan. In addition, he has management responsibility for Occidental's worldwide exploration and international business development efforts.
Since joining Occidental in 1997 as Senior Vice President Acquisitions & Divestitures in the company's oil and gas segment, Mr. Olson has held a number of increasingly responsible positions, including a recent assignment as President, Occidental Development Company.
Prior to joining Occidental Mr. Olson was a Managing Director for CIBC Wood Gundy Securities Corporation focusing on international oil and gas acquisitions and divestitures. Before CIBC Wood Gundy, he was a Vice President for Hunt Oil Company. Mr. Olson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin and a J.D. from John Marshall Law School.