Hess Corporation is an American global independent energy company primarily engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. Formed in 1968 through the merger of Hess Oil and Chemical Corporation and Amerada Petroleum Corporation, the company has a long history in the energy sector. Leon Hess served as CEO from the early 1960s until 1995, after which his son, John B. Hess, succeeded him as chairman and CEO. Hess has operated internationally, with significant assets in regions such as the United States, Guyana, and the Danish North Sea. Throughout its history, Hess Corporation has been involved in various upstream activities, including offshore drilling and natural gas liquefaction projects. The company divested non-core assets over the years to focus on high-potential exploration opportunities. In 2013, the company faced an activist campaign from Elliott Management, which pushed for board changes and strategic shifts to enhance shareholder value, leading to the appointment of new directors and influencing the company's strategic direction toward asset optimization and divestitures. Notably, in October 2023, Hess agreed to be acquired by Chevron Corporation in a deal valued at approximately $53 billion, aiming to combine their portfolios for greater scale in global energy production. The acquisition was completed in July 2025, marking the end of Hess as an independent entity and integrating its operations into Chevron. Hess has been recognized for its contributions to energy innovation but has also faced scrutiny over environmental impacts and corporate governance.