Occidental Petroleum’s CEO transition puts a spotlight on the foreign post advantage

Occidental Petroleum’s next chief executive began his career far from the Houston headquarters.

On May 1, Occidental announced that COO Richard Jackson will succeed Vicki Hollub as CEO upon her retirement in June. Hollub, who became CEO in 2016, was the first woman to lead a major U.S. oil company, a landmark appointment in an industry long dominated by men. She will remain on Occidental’s board after stepping down.

Jackson’s path to the top job adds another layer to the succession story. He joined Occidental in 2003 in its Middle East operations, an early assignment that points to a career lesson for executives with CEO ambitions: global postings can be powerful proving grounds that help leaders develop the judgment and range that boards look for in a chief executive, especially in industries where capital, resources, regulation, and politics cross borders.

That is especially true in oil and gas, where companies depend on global supply chains, international partners, access to resources, and relationships with host governments. A leader who has worked in a region such as the Middle East may bring a deeper understanding of how politics, production, and partnerships intersect.

International assignments can also give executives a broader leadership test than many HQ roles. In a........

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