William R. Klesse, Valero Energy Corporation
Company: Valero Energy Corporation Company
Description: Valero Energy Corporation, incorporated in 1981, is North America’s independent petroleum refiner and marketer. As of December 31, 2010, it owned 14 petroleum refineries, which were located in the United States, Canada, and Aruba.
Nomination Category: Management Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Executive of the Year - All Other Industries
Nomination Title: William R. Klesse, Chairman of the Board & CEO
Tell the story about what this nominee achieved since January 1 2010 (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:
Valero Energy Corp. reported income from continuing operations of $180 million, or 32 cents per share, for fourth-quarter 2010, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $131 million, or a loss of 23 cents per share, for fourth-quarter 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the company reported income from continuing operations of $923 million, or $1.62 per share, compared to a full-year 2009 loss from continuing operations of $273 million, or a loss of 50 cents per share.
"While the market has changed for the better in 2010, so did Valero. We have improved our portfolio through the sale of underperforming and non-core assets, advanced key economic growth projects, built our financial strength and made significant progress on our cost savings. In fact, we achieved $225 million in pre-tax cost savings during 2010, which was more than double our initial goal of $100 million. These actions position Valero with more earnings power for the future."
Bill Klesse was awarded the De La Salle Medal by Manhattan College at its annual fundraising dinner in January 2011 for his strong commitment to improving education and community service. The medal is given to executives and/or corporations “that exemplify the principles of excellence in corporate leadership and service to society.”
Valero is a closely watched entity in the U.S. refining industry as it is the U.S.'s largest refiner by capacity and serves as a proxy for the broader industry.
Valero has an impressive list of rankings on Forbes lists: Valero Energy - 608th on the Forbes Global 2000 in 2010, Valero Energy - 546th on the Forbes Global 2000 in 2009, Valero Energy - 144th on the Forbes Global 2000 in 2008, Valero Energy Forbes 400 Best Big Companies in 2007 and Valero Energy - 137th on the Forbes Global 2000 in 2007. In addition, the company has received many awards and honors.
A board member of the nonprofit San Antonio Food Bank since 2002, Klesse serves as Valero's chief proponent for volunteerism and regularly challenges his employees to return the blessings they enjoy by helping those in need. He works alongside Valero Volunteers on Habitat for Humanity projects, and he is an annual participant and top fundraiser in the Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River charity ride, which raises money to fight multiple sclerosis. Klesse served as chairman of the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County for the 2009-2010 campaign season, as well as lead efforts to preserve and restore the landmark churches of San Antonio’s Old Spanish Missions. As chairman of the Las Misiones Campaign, Klesse is helping lead the movement to preserve a critical piece of San Antonio's living history.
List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above. IMPORTANT: Begin each link with http://, and enclose each link in square brackets; for example, [http://www.youraddress.com]:
Additional Sources:
http://www.cspnet.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications::Article&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=0AA12F91FA2F473F828665B319901E54&AudID=7763DA803CBE410A893CD5C4ED7C9205 http://www.thestreet.com/story/10985408/1/valero-energy-corporation-reports-2010-fourth-quarter-and-annual-results.html http://blog.mysanantonio.com/clockingin/2011/01/manhattan-college-to-honor-valeros-klesse/ http://home.manhattan.edu/collegerelations/Liz/clips/January/ValeroWSJ.com.pdf http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=VLO http://www.valero.com/OurBusiness/Pages/AwardsHonors.aspx
Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the nominee:
William R. Klesse serves as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of Valero Energy Corporation. He was elected Chairman of the Board in January 2007, and was elected President in January 2008 and Director since 2005. He previously served as Valero’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board since the end of 2005. He served as Valero’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2003 through 2005, and as Executive Vice President-Refining and Commercial Operations since Valero’s acquisition of UDS in 2001.