Houston, January 28, 2026
Chevron Corporation has appointed Thomas W. Horton as an Independent Director, effective January 27, 2026. His extensive background in aviation and finance will enhance the company’s governance and strategic oversight. With a distinguished career, Horton’s leadership is expected to reinforce Chevron’s commitment to robust corporate governance and economic growth in Houston, solidifying its position in the energy sector.
Houston, Texas
Houston Welcomes Proven Leadership: Thomas W. Horton Joins Chevron’s Board
The appointment of a seasoned executive with a distinguished career in aviation and finance signals a continued focus on strong corporate governance and strategic vision for the energy giant, further solidifying Houston’s role in global business.
Houston’s dynamic business environment thrives on astute leadership and strategic vision, factors crucial for propelling economic growth and fostering a robust marketplace. In a move that underscores the city’s magnetic appeal for top-tier talent and corporate excellence, Chevron Corporation recently announced the addition of Thomas W. Horton to its Board of Directors. This appointment, effective January 27, 2026, brings an executive with a remarkable track record of personal achievement and corporate transformation to one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies.
Chevron, headquartered in Houston, Texas, plays a significant role in the local and national economy. The company’s commitment to delivering affordable, reliable, and increasingly cleaner energy is a testament to the power of private enterprise and innovation in addressing global needs. The integration of a leader with Horton’s extensive experience further strengthens the corporate governance framework, essential for navigating complex markets and ensuring long-term value creation in the competitive Houston TX business landscape.
A Legacy of Leadership and Strategic Acumen
Thomas W. Horton’s career is marked by a series of high-profile leadership roles and significant corporate achievements. He currently serves as a partner at Global Infrastructure Partners, a global infrastructure-investment firm, a position he has held since April 2019. Prior to this, from 2015 to 2019, he was a senior advisor at private-equity investor Warburg Pincus.
Perhaps most notably, Horton served as chairman, CEO, and president of American Airlines, Inc., and AMR Corporation from 2011 to 2013. During his tenure, he was credited with successfully leading American Airlines through a comprehensive restructuring and turnaround, culminating in its merger with USAirways in 2013. This strategic combination resulted in the formation of American Airlines Group, Inc., establishing the world’s largest airline. Such a monumental undertaking highlights his exceptional ability to manage complex business operations and drive significant shareholder value, showcasing entrepreneurial innovation on a grand scale.
Horton’s diverse experience extends beyond the aviation sector. Earlier in his career, from 2002 to 2005, he held the positions of vice chairman and chief financial officer at AT&T Corporation. In this role, he played a pivotal part in evaluating strategic alternatives that ultimately led to the combination with SBC, forming the new AT&T. His broad corporate expertise also includes current directorships at Walmart Inc. since 2014 and General Electric Company (operating as GE Aerospace) since 2018. He previously served on the boards of Qualcomm and Enlink Midstream.
The Importance of Independent Directors in Corporate Governance
As an Independent Director, Thomas W. Horton will provide impartial advice and oversight to Chevron’s Board. An independent director is a member of the board of directors who does not have a material relationship with the company beyond their role as a director, nor are they involved in the day-to-day operations. This structure is fundamental for robust corporate governance, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making within major corporations.
The appointment of such an experienced individual to Chevron’s Board Audit Committee further emphasizes the company’s commitment to rigorous financial oversight. Independent directors are selected for their expertise and experience in various fields, offering valuable, impartial perspectives on strategic development, performance evaluation, and risk management. Their presence ensures that the organization operates within legal and ethical frameworks, making wealth-creating changes that benefit stakeholders and contribute positively to Houston economic growth.
Chevron’s Strategic Presence in Houston and Texas
Chevron’s roots in Houston are deep and growing. The company announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Houston from San Ramon, California, a process that began in 2022. This strategic relocation highlights Houston’s compelling advantages as the “Energy Capital of the World,” offering a robust energy infrastructure and a diverse talent pool. The decision by CEO Mike Wirth also considered the attractive business environment in Texas, including aspects such as low regulation and zero-income-tax policies, which can help companies optimize operations and profits.
The company maintains a significant presence in the region, including two office towers in downtown Houston and recently acquired 77 acres in the Bridgeland master planned community for a future research campus. Chevron’s operations extend throughout the state, with record production from the Permian Basin in West Texas and New Mexico. Beyond direct business operations, Chevron contributes to the local economy and community through various initiatives, such as its long-standing title sponsorship of the Chevron Houston Marathon, which generates over $50 million for the local economy and supports local charities. This deep integration reinforces the symbiotic relationship between major corporations and the communities in which they operate, supporting sustained Houston economic growth and vitality.
Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation in the Energy Sector
The addition of an executive like Thomas W. Horton to Chevron’s board is a clear indicator of the company’s dedication to strong leadership and strategic foresight. This type of private investment in human capital is vital for propelling economic expansion and navigating the complexities of the global energy market. Experienced directors provide crucial guidance that can help businesses innovate, adapt to evolving industry challenges, and capitalize on new opportunities, particularly within the ongoing energy transition.
Houston, a hub for Texas TX entrepreneurs and established energy firms alike, benefits immensely from such robust corporate structures. Effective corporate governance and a vibrant private sector are key drivers of job creation, technological advancement, and overall business success. Chevron, as a founding member of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), exemplifies how local industry leadership can accelerate global solutions for an energy-abundant, low-carbon future. These efforts, combined with sound executive leadership, ensure that Houston remains at the forefront of the energy industry and continues to thrive as a center of economic opportunity.
Conclusion
The appointment of Thomas W. Horton to Chevron’s Board of Directors marks a significant development for one of Houston’s cornerstone corporations. His distinguished career in transforming and leading major enterprises brings a wealth of experience to Chevron’s strategic decision-making and oversight functions. This move not only reinforces Chevron’s commitment to strong corporate governance but also highlights Houston’s enduring strength as a magnet for premier business talent and a nexus for critical industry leadership.
As Houston continues to build on its foundation of entrepreneurial spirit and economic resilience, the caliber of leadership within its major corporations remains paramount. We encourage all HEREhouston.com readers to recognize the profound impact that strong corporate leadership and strategic private investment have on shaping our city’s economic future and supporting the continued success of businesses and communities across Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who recently joined Chevron’s Board of Directors?
- Thomas W. Horton recently joined Chevron’s Board of Directors as an Independent Director.
- When was Thomas W. Horton’s appointment to Chevron’s board effective?
- Thomas W. Horton’s appointment to Chevron’s Board of Directors was effective January 27, 2026.
- What is Thomas W. Horton’s professional background?
- Thomas W. Horton is a partner at Global Infrastructure Partners, a global infrastructure-investment firm. He previously served as chairman, CEO, and president at American Airlines, Inc., and AMR Corporation, where he led a successful restructuring and the merger with USAirways in 2013, creating the world’s largest airline. He also held senior roles at Warburg Pincus and AT&T Corporation.
- What is the role of an Independent Director?
- An Independent Director provides independent advice and oversight to the board of directors and does not have a material relationship with the company other than as a director, nor are they involved in the day-to-day operations.
- Where is Chevron Corporation’s headquarters located?
- Chevron Corporation’s headquarters is located in Houston, Texas.
Key Features of Thomas W. Horton’s Appointment to Chevron’s Board
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| New Board Member | Thomas W. Horton | N/A |
| Appointment Date | January 27, 2026 | N/A |
| Role | Independent Director, member of the Board Audit Committee | Nationwide |
| Current Affiliation | Partner at Global Infrastructure Partners | Nationwide |
| Previous Key Role | Chairman, CEO, and President of American Airlines, Inc., and AMR Corporation (2011-2013) | Nationwide |
| Other Directorships | Walmart Inc. (since 2014), General Electric Company (operating as GE Aerospace) (since 2018) | Nationwide |
| Chevron Headquarters | Houston, Texas | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
