Rex Tillerson
Rex Tillerson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Rex Wayne Tillerson was born on March 23, 1952, in Wichita Falls, Texas, USA.
Birth and Death Dates
March 23, 1952 - (still living)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American businessman and former politician. He served as the 69th United States Secretary of State from 2017 to 2018 under President Donald Trump's administration.
Early Life and Background
Rex Tillerson grew up in a modest household with his parents, Bobby Joe and Pat Tillerson, and two siblings. His family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's career as an engineer. Tillerson developed an interest in the oil industry at an early age, which would eventually lead him to pursue a degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Texas.
Major Accomplishments
Tillerson's professional journey began with ExxonMobil, where he joined in 1975 as a production drilling consultant. He rose through the ranks, serving in various executive positions, including president and director-general of ExxonMobil International Limited. In 2006, Tillerson became the president and CEO of ExxonMobil, a position he held until his departure in 2017 to join President Trump's cabinet.
Notable Works or Actions
Tillerson's tenure as Secretary of State was marked by several significant events, including:
Diplomatic efforts with North Korea: Tillerson engaged in high-stakes negotiations with the Kim Jong-un regime, aiming to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.
Foreign policy shift on Israel-Palestine conflict: As Secretary of State, Tillerson called for a "two-state solution" and acknowledged that Israeli settlements in the West Bank may not be illegal under international law.
* Firing of senior diplomats: In 2017, Tillerson ordered the firing of over 50 senior Foreign Service officers, leading to widespread criticism within the diplomatic community.
Impact and Legacy
Tillerson's tenure as Secretary of State was marked by controversy and significant changes in US foreign policy. His efforts to engage with North Korea were seen as a necessary step towards reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. However, his approach was also criticized for being too soft, allowing North Korea to continue its nuclear program.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Rex Tillerson is widely quoted and remembered due to his significant contributions to the oil industry and his tenure as Secretary of State. His experience in international business and diplomacy has made him a valuable voice on global issues. As one of the most influential figures in American politics, his quotes continue to be referenced by media outlets, policymakers, and business leaders alike.
As a prominent figure in modern history, Tillerson's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While his diplomatic efforts with North Korea and attempts to reform US foreign policy are notable achievements, his tenure was also marred by controversy and criticism. Despite this, his quotes continue to be sought after for their insight into global politics and international relations.
Quotes by Rex Tillerson
We're all individuals. Lee Raymond is Lee Raymond. He has his style. I am Rex Tillerson, and I have my style.
There is still significant uncertainty around all of the factors that affect climate change.
We recognize that greenhouse gas emissions are one of the factors affecting climate change.
We have been blessed in many respects with the explosion of the development of shale gas resources here in North America. It's both U.S. and in Canada.
We've recognized that natural gas would be the fastest-growing of the conventional fuels: oil, natural gas, coal. And so, we see the important role that natural gas will play globally and, more importantly, the important role it will play in the U.S. in terms of meeting future energy demand.
Gasoline prices are a direct reflection of the cost of the raw materials to produce the gasoline, no different than any other product that you would buy, whether it's a good or some other consumable, or it's a luxury item. It's all a function of what do the raw materials cost.
People go out; they take risk; they find a way to develop resources that were previously not accessible, not available because of technological reasons.