It seems that Occidental Petroleum (OXY 2.14%) will not be getting a new CEO in the immediate future. The company has issued a statement saying that current CEO Steve Chazen will remain in his post through 2014. This despite its announcement in February that it had retained executive search specialists to find a replacement for him.
Speculation has been rife that the company's board, captained by ex-CEO and current Chairman Ray Irani, has been eager to relieve Chazen of his duties. Several weeks ago, Occidental issued a statement categorically denying that there was a "fight at the top" over the matter.
In addition to making its pronouncement about Chazen's job security in this latest statement, the firm also announced several measures seemingly aimed at leavening criticism from shareholders. Among other moves, it plans to cut pay for the CEO and the directors and ensure that the chairman and at least two directors will be independents.
