Clifton C. Garvin
Clifton Canter Garvin Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | April 17, 2016 (aged 94) |
| Occupation(s) | Engineer, military officer, oil industry executive |
| Years active | 1947–1986 |
| Known for | President and Chairman of Exxon |
Clifton Canter Garvin Jr. (December 22, 1921 – April 17, 2016) was a distinguished American engineer, military officer, and leader in the oil industry. He began his career with Standard Oil of New Jersey (which later became Exxon) in 1947 and remained with the company until his retirement in 1986. Garvin held the position of president from 1972 until 1975 and subsequently served as chairman from 1975 through 1986.
Biography
Garvin was born in Portsmouth, Virginia and graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1943. During World War II, he spent three years serving in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers within the Pacific theater before returning to VPI to complete a master's degree in 1947.
His tenure at Exxon commenced as a process engineer working in refinery operations, including time at the Baton Rouge Refinery. Over time, he advanced to manage the company’s chemical sector. His professional expertise covered crucial areas such as transportation, refining, marketing, and chemicals—industries that faced increasing government regulation concerning petroleum profits in regions like the Middle East and Latin America. By 1965, Garvin was heading Exxon’s chemical division, leading it to become the company's most rapidly expanding unit. He rose to president in 1972 and was appointed chairman and CEO in 1975, roles he fulfilled until his departure.
In 1981, Garvin was appointed to President Ronald Reagan's National Productivity Advisory Committee and subsequently took part in the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control. He also served as chairman of The Business Council during 1983 and 1984.
Garvin held directorships with several prominent corporations including Georgia Pacific, Chevron, Citicorp, Johnson and Johnson, J.C. Penney, PepsiCo, Sperry Corporation, and TRW Inc..
Between 1988 and 1996, he was a member of Virginia Tech's board of visitors, acting as rector from 1991 until 1996. The university honored him with its highest distinction, the William H. Ruffner Medal, in 1997 for his outstanding service. Additionally, he received honorary degrees from New York University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Georgetown University. Garvin achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1937 and was affiliated with the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club.