EXXON MOBIL CEO takes aim at environmentalists... May 29, 2008
Speaking to reporters after the annual meeting of shareholders, at which much-publicized proposals by the Rockefeller family calling for new investment in renewable energy received little support, Mr. Tillerson also said he expects little delay in the $8-billion Kearl oilsands project in Alberta, after a court challenge by environmental organizations this month resulted in the withdrawal of a key federal permit, halting important work. "I am optimistic that the permit will be restored and we'll... (The Drudge Report)
Exxon Investors Reject Proposal to Split Top Jobs May 29, 2008
Members of the Rockefeller family backed the call for change at the top of Exxon, closely tied to the family's vast fortune since John D. Rockefeller founded the Standard Oil Co, Exxon's precursor, in 1870, although no Rockefeller has served on the board of Exxon or of a predecessor company since 1911. With oil hovering at around $130 a barrel and gas prices soaring, oil companies have become targets for criticism from lawmakers and consumer groups. (ABC News -- Wire)
Exxon Mobil shareholders allow Tillerson to keep dual posts May 29, 2008
Shareholders reviewed a total of 17 measures, spearheaded by some of the company's most influential stakeholders - including members of the Rockefeller family. A number of the measures were designed to spur the oil giant into changing its stance on alternative fuels to become more competitive. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Exxon Mobil faces shareholder uprising May 29, 2008
HOUSTON -- Exxon Mobil Corp. chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson will have a fight on his hands Wednesday to keep the two top jobs at the world's biggest publicly traded oil company, as some members of the Rockefeller family and other shareholders push to separate the roles. In what's likely to be a raucous shareholder meeting in Dallas, much of the advance focus has been on a shareholder resolution to name an independent director as company chairman, prohibiting Tillerson from holding that job and... (Albany Times Union)
Exxon investors reject effort to dilute chief's power May 29, 2008
But by defeating the challenge, which was supported this year by many members of the Rockefeller family, Tillerson avoided a rebuke to his authority to run Exxon Mobil, the world's largest independent oil company. The resolution to divide the top two positions won 39. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Exxon Mobil Boss To Keep Two Titles May 29, 2008
Exxon Mobil chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson will keep both of his titles as shareholders have rejected a plan backed by some members of the Rockefeller family to split the chairman and chief executive roles. The plan to split Tillerson's duties into two jobs got only 39. (Forbes)
Exxon chief to keep dual titles May 29, 2008
The Rockefeller family believes now is precisely the time for Exxon Mobil, with its strong financial performance, to take the long-term steps needed to increase shareholder value, O'Neill said. All of Exxon Mobil's acknowledged strengths are no guarantee it will remain flexible and visionary in light of the changing energy realities that lie ahead, he added. (Globe and Mail)
Exxon chief defeats challenge May 29, 2008
But by defeating the challenge, which was supported this year by many members of the Rockefeller family, Tillerson avoided a serious rebuke to his authority to run the world's largest independent oil company ... The Rockefeller family members who are publicly backing the effort this year say they did not intend to embarrass Tillerson but think the company needs to show more leadership in developing alternative fuel sources that would combat global warming. (International Herald Tribune -- Money Report)
Exxon Shareholders Reject Proposal To Split CEO, Chairman Positions May 29, 2008
Members of the Rockefeller family, descendants of the founder of Exxon forerunner Standard Oil, took the unprecedented step of publicly rallying behind this and other measures, prompting Exxon management to fight back with an intense lobbying effort for the status quo. The proposal to create an independent chairman, which would have stripped Chairman and Chief Executive Rex Tillerson of one of his titles, drew 39. (Yahoo News -- Oil and Gas)
Ligand shares fall 34% on FDA report May 29, 2008
Members of the Rockefeller family backed the call for change at the top of Exxon, closely tied to the family's vast fortune since John D. Rockefeller founded the Standard Oil Co., Exxon's precursor, in 1870. Reuters. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Rockefellers Lose Battle At Exxon Mobil May 29, 2008
"Our goal from the outset of this effort was to get shareholders more engaged with Exxon Mobil management and vice versa," members of the Rockefeller family said in a statement yesterday ... This year was expected to be different after the Rockefeller family took the unusual step of aggressively campaigning to win support for the proposal to separate the chairman and CEO roles. (New York Post -- Business)
Splitting Power at the Top May 29, 2008
With the backing of the Rockefeller family, hopes were high for a better showing this year, even though only 10 such proposals have ever managed to garner majority support, according to RiskMetrics, a firm that advises proxy voting. If the vote had reached a majority, it wouldn't have forced Exxon to separate the positions (like most such proposals, it was non-binding), but it would have sent a strong signal to management. (Time.com)
Exxon Mobil's CEO, Chairman Tillerson to Face Fire May 28, 2008
Tillerson on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 will have a fight on his hands to keep the two top jobs at the world's biggest publicly traded oil company, as some members of the Rockefeller family and other shareholders push to separate the roles ... Exxon Mobil Corp. chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson will have a fight on his hands Wednesday to keep the two top jobs at the world's biggest publicly traded oil company, as some members of the Rockefeller family and other shareholders push to separate the roles.... (ABC News -- Wire)
Oil Company Exec To Face Fire May 28, 2008
Some members of the Rockefeller family, as well as other shareholders, are pushing to divorce the roles. Much of the advance focus has been on a resolution to name an independent director as company chairman, essentially prohibiting Rex Tillerson from holding that job and that of CEO.. (KWTX.com, TX)
Exxon to face off against investors at annual meeting May 28, 2008
The Rockefeller family is leading the charge, calling for a change at the top of the company that is closely tied to their famous fortune ... It is unclear how many shares the Rockefeller family controls. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Rockefeller family members press for change at Exxon May 27, 2008
The Rockefeller family built one of the great American fortunes by supplying the United States with oil ... The Rockefeller family has always been identified with oil and the legacy of Standard Oil, but for several generations it has also been active in environmental causes and acquiring vast amounts of land for preservation, including part of what is today the Grand Teton National Park. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
ExxonMobil faces revolt from top investors May 26, 2008
While activist shareholder resolutions are not uncommon, the move at ExxonMobil is unusual in that it has support from major institutional investors as well as the Rockefeller family, whose ancestor, John D Rockefeller, created Standard Oil, the main forerunner of the current company ... The Rockefeller family members are backing resolutions urging ExxonMobil to look beyond its focus on oil and gas to "more effectively" address a rapidly evolving energy industry, particularly renewables and... (Business Report, South Africa)
Con man passes self off as an actor May 24, 2008
Over the past decade, Rocancourt has passed himself off as a member of the Rockefeller family, a Brazilian race-car driver and the French son of Sophia Loren, and thought nothing of picking up $80,000 dinner tabs. He used his charm and ability to read people to become whatever they needed in order to gain their trust and their money. (Vancouver Sun)
BUSINESS BRIEFS May 22, 2008
JetBlue namesJetBlue Airways chose Joel Peterson as chair man to succeed founder David Neeleman, who left to create a new car rier in Brazil. Peterson has been vice chairman since June. (New York Post -- Business)
Warming and Storms, Uncertainty and Ethics May 20, 2008
How are they responding to the recent (and valid) criticism by the Rockefeller family. Perhaps Dr. Brown and Rock could get involved and play a useful role in moving a mountain. (New York Times)
Crude Family Feud May 15, 2008
The Rockefeller family has been meeting with a series of large investors to win support for their effort, including mutual fund firms Barclays Global Investors, State Street and Putnam. In meetings, they've raised questions about the board's independence and about management's perceived role as "gatekeepers to the board," said one meeting attendee. (New York Post -- Business)
To The Point May 11, 2008
The push is being led by the Rockefeller family, leading Exxon shareholders, who criticized Tillerson for not pursuing alternative energy options. The RiskMetrics Group, which advises some of the nation's largest institutions, supported the move, which would weaken Tillerson's control. (Investors Business Daily)
Criticism grows for dual role May 10, 2008
New York-based Institutional Shareholder Services, acquired last year by RiskMetrics, has joined descendants of the Rockefeller family in supporting a proposal to split the roles of chairman and CEO between two people. "Exxon management tends to see everything from inside of Exxon, and there's a corporate culture there that has not been open to receiving ideas from the outside," said Neva Rockefeller Goodwin, an economist and great-granddaughter of John D. Rockefeller, founder of Exxon Mobil... (Houston Chronicle)
Advisory group lends support to Rockefellers in Exxon fight May 10, 2008
NEW YORK The Rockefeller family and shareholders pushing Exxon Mobil to focus more on renewable energy now have the backing of a powerful advisory group for institutional investors. The RiskMetrics Group also came out in support of another proxy supported by the Rockefellers, who want the position of chief executive and chairman, currently held by Rex Tillerson, to be split. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Exxon profit up 17% on oil surge May 2, 2008
Exxon needs more renewable energy focus, the Rockefeller family say ... The results followed members of the Rockefeller family going public about an on-going feud they have with Exxon. (BBC News -- Americas)
* Rockefeller family accuses ExxonMobil of ignoring alternative energy options May 2, 2008
We have met members of the Rockefeller family on many occasions over a number of years, he said. The shareholder proposals are not binding and Exxon merely says that any successful resolutions will be considered by its board. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Oil Clash: Rockefellers Take on Exxon May 2, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) -- Members of the Rockefeller family, descended from the founder of what became Exxon Mobil Corp., challenged the oil giant Wednesday to split the roles of chairman and CEO and focus more on renewable sources of energy ... "They are fighting the last war and they're not seeing they're facing a new war," said Peter O'Neill, who heads the Rockefeller Family committee dealing with Exxon Mobil and is the great-great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller. (ABC News -- Business)
Taking oil companies to task May 2, 2008
The Rockefeller family have a bone to pick with Exxon Mobil, the company that grew out of their ancestors oil giant Standard Oil, over its failure to give greater backing to alternative energy. They are fighting the last war and they're not seeing theyre facing a new war, says Peter ONeill, great-great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller (). (Nature News Service)
There Will Be Blood Orange Juice May 2, 2008
The speakers: Neva Rockefeller Goodwin and Peter O'Neill, members of the Rockefeller family who are pushing for changes in corporate governance at Exxon Mobil, the descendant of the Standard Oil company created by John D. Rockefeller ... The Rockefeller family members were far less slick and comfortable at the podium than the executive (Stephen Heintz, president of the ) and politician (Connecticut Treasurer ) who accompanied them. (Slate)
Rockefeller family calls for change at ExxonMobil May 2, 2008
NEW YORK: Members of the Rockefeller family are calling on ExxonMobil Corp to make governance changes and increase spending on alternative fuels, sharpening the focus on the companys practices as oil soars close to US$120 ... It is unclear how many shares the Rockefeller family controls ... Members of the Rockefeller family are well known for their relationship with the companys founder. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Exxon? More Like Ex-off. May 2, 2008
In addition, the Rockefeller family expressed disappointment with the company's alternative energy efforts Wednesday. (See ). (Forbes -- Business)
JFK's 'love child' alleged to be living in Vancouver Feb 9, 2008
More recently, Christopher Rocancourt, a French citizen who resided in Whistler, allegedly bilked unsuspecting Vancouverites out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by claiming, among other identities, to be a member of the Rockefeller family. Ads by Google. (Canada.com)
Mexican Museum still searching for a home Jan 28, 2008
Some people in the arts community have expressed concern about the well-being of the museum's art collection, which includes ancient and colonial-era works, an array of Mexican folk art, including an important collection donated by the Rockefeller family, Jose Clemente Orozco paintings and Diego Rivera drawings. Most of the works are stored at Fort Mason, and others are being kept in an off-site art-storage facility. (San Francisco Chronicle)
New easements protect land along Big Hole, in Centennial Jan 16, 2008
Peggy Dulany, a member of the Rockefeller family, donated the easements on her J Bar L Ranch to the Nature Conservancy of Montana. The easements cover 6,330 acres in the Centennial Valley and an additional 2,190 acres on the lower Big Hole River near Twin Bridges. (Montana Standard, MT)
Legacy for the next generation Jan 11, 2008
Wealth distribution methods range from the writing of a simple will, or setting up joint accounts between parents and children to complicated family structures involving family offices and trusts, as seen in the Rockefeller Foundation, which was set up as early as 120 years ago for the Rockefeller family. Many parents, in their own way, deal with wealth distribution the best they can or to the best of their knowledge. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Antiques, comfort can share space Dec 28, 2007
Palaceware is also known as "Rockefeller" since the Rockefeller family collected it. A tall rosewood Regency cabinet contains more pieces. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Italian grocery chain Esselunga not for sale after all Sep 24, 2007
Caprotti, who started the company five decades ago through a partnership with the Rockefeller family called Supermarkets Italiani, said he rejected an offer from the Pesenti family, without saying when. He sidestepped a question on whether he would sell to Rewe Group, a German supermarket chain. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
University scholars receive distinguished, named professorships Sep 21, 2007
In 1975 he began work with the Rockefeller Family Philanthropic Office in New York, where he remained until 1979. He then returned to the faculty of the Divinity School and, in 1980, began his first of two terms as Dean of the Divinity School, a position he held for 10 years. (Univeristy of Chicago Chronicle, IL)
Countrywide shares slide again Sep 12, 2007
Tapioca Mobile, a San Diego startup, company, said it has closed its initial round of venture funding with Venrock, the venture capital firm established by the Rockefeller family. Venrock's David Siminoff and Neeraj Choubey have joined the board at Tapioca, which specializes in multimedia messaging. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
How blackjack saved the tribe Jul 14, 2007
They are the Mashantucket Pequot Indian tribe, reputedly the richest tribe in the US. As Brett Fromson puts it in his book Hitting the Jackpot, the Pequots "managed to leverage the barest Indian descent into a fortune akin to the Rockefeller family". They are the most visible and best-known example of native Americans lifting themselves out of poverty through an unlikely source: gambling. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
• People You Should Know: Raymond Peterson: He looks to the sky for inspiration May 20, 2007
The Rockefeller Family hired me out of the military to fly virtually non-stop around the world. Employed by their corporate flight department 'The Wayfarer Ketch Corp.' I spent many months in Athens, Geneva, Paris, Venice, Moscow, Marrakech, Brazil and Argentina. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? May 18, 2007
Recipients include the likes of Bill Gates and the Rockefeller family. The Carnegie brand is widespread. (BBC News -- UK)
Isis partners with Bristol-Myers May 11, 2007
The round was led by Venrock, a global firm that was originally the venture capital arm of the Rockefeller family. Other investors include existing backers Avalon Ventures of San Diego and Masthead Venture Partners of Cambridge, Mass. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Mechanics Bank elects two new directors Apr 21, 2007
Moran, a partner in the Menlo Park office of Venrock, is a workplace expert who focuses on digital media and software investments at the firm founded as the venture capital arm of the Rockefeller family seven decades ago. "As the Mechanics Bank continues to grow, it will be important to increase the bank's technological capabilities," said Dianne Daiss "DD" Felton, vice chairman. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
An arts idea that transformed summer Apr 15, 2007
More people joined the cause in the early 1960s, and the Rockefeller family provided a grant so the idea for a performing arts center could be studied. More groups signed on and raised even more money over the next several years. (Albany Times Union)
Pressure groups shaping press coverage exposed Apr 10, 2007
The Society of Environmental Journalists is supported by, among others, the Turner Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Vira I. Heinz Endowment, the Rockefeller Family Fund, the Hearst Corp, HBO, Knight Ridder, the Los Angeles Times, McClatchy Newspapers and Turner Broadcasting Service. (Story continues below). (WorldNetDaily)
Trees stand close to the heart of town's image Apr 7, 2007
The majestic hardwoods lining central Greenwich roads leading to the backcountry were the brainchild of the Rockefeller family ... Howland, who was friends with members of the Rockefeller family -- tree enthusiasts also credited with planting many of the trees still standing today on Lake Avenue and Round Hill Road -- said residents and garden club members were always supportive of her efforts. (Greenwich Time)
Rockefeller opens West Coast philanthropy office Apr 4, 2007
"Opening an office in the Bay Area is a natural step in carrying out our mission to extend global giving and make available to a broad range of donors the considerable philanthropic expertise the Rockefeller family has developed over five successive generations.". Judy Belk, currently a senior adviser with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, is heading the new office. (Albany Business Review, NY)
TECH CHRONICLES Feb 28, 2007
" Moran is going to bring his homespun common sense to Sand Hill Road. Who needs it more than venture capitalists? Moran won't be moving to some snappy young VC firm. He's going to Venrock Associates in Menlo Park, which he describes in an e-mail as "a premier venture capital firm originally founded in 1969 as the venture capital arm of the Rockefeller family. We have $1. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
The rich get more generous Feb 27, 2007
Among those swimming in the deep end of the donor pool: Nike co-founder Phil Knight, who gave $105 million to Stanford's business school; David Rockefeller, who gave away $225 million, mostly to the Rockefeller family foundation; oilman T. Boone Pickens, who gave away $172 million, including $160 million to set up his own foundation; and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who gave $165 million to 1,000 groups but would name only five, which combat smoking. In addition to the amount of money... (USA Today)
Downtown younger than it looks Feb 4, 2007
What they don't know is that most of the "old" buildings were built in the 1960s when the city was trying to create a Spanish colonial village similar to what the Rockefeller family had done in Colonial Williamsburg, Va. "The restoration of St. George Street took a dingy, tenant-filled street and turned it into a tourist destination," said Bill Adams, city director of heritage tourism. (The St. Augustine Record)
SG/SM/10836-NGO/609 Jan 11, 2007
I hope that, among you, somebody will follow the path of the Rockefeller family. The renovation will ensure that the complex is equipped with up-to-date facilities and meets modern day health, safety and energy requirements. (United Nations Press Releases)
