# Francisco Leon

> Francisco J. Leon is president, CEO and a director of California Resources Corporation. Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, he attended school across the border in San Diego before a career in energy investment banking, Occidental Petroleum and CRC. His leadership combines acquisitions, California energy production and the development of Carbon TerraVault’s carbon-storage business.

- **Role:** President and Chief Executive Officer at California Resources Corporation
- **Organizations:** California Resources Corporation, Occidental Petroleum, Petrie Parkman & Co., National Petroleum Council, Western States Petroleum Association, American Exploration and Production Council, California Chamber of Commerce, CalCEO Council, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, University of Texas McCombs School of Business BBA Advisory Board, Hispanics in Energy, Latino Corporate Directors Association, Union Rescue Mission of Los Angeles (former board member)
- **From:** Mexico City, Mexico
- **Education:** Binational BA in International Business, San Diego State University and CETYS Universidad, MBA, University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business
- **Known for:** Advanced from CRC portfolio strategy leadership to CFO and CEO., Led CRC during its completed Aera Energy and Berry combinations., Led CRC when Carbon TerraVault I began CO₂ injection and generated first revenue in Q2 2026.

## Career timeline

- **2001** — Began career at energy investment bank Petrie Parkman.
- **Before 2014** — Held finance, planning, acquisitions and business-development roles at Occidental Petroleum.
- **2014** — Joined CRC during its Occidental spin-off as VP of Portfolio Management and Strategic Planning.
- **2018** — Named CRC VP of Corporate Development.
- **2020-08** — Became CRC Executive Vice President and CFO.
- **2023-04** — Became CRC President, CEO and director.
- **2024-07** — CRC completed the Aera Energy combination during his tenure.
- **2025-12** — CRC closed its combination with Berry Corporation.
- **2026-08** — Carbon TerraVault reported first injection and revenue at CTV I.

## Achievements

- Advanced from CRC portfolio strategy leadership to CFO and CEO.
- Led CRC during its completed Aera Energy and Berry combinations.
- Led CRC when Carbon TerraVault I began CO₂ injection and generated first revenue in Q2 2026.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — CRC agreed to sell Uinta Basin assets for approximately $90 million, with closing expected by year end subject to conditions.
- **2026-09** — CRC completed the approximately $63 million Crimson Midstream acquisition on September 1.
- **2026-08** — CTV reported first CO₂ injection and revenue at CTV I; its carbon-management segment recorded $1 million in Q2 operating revenue.
- **2026-08** — CRC reported $103 million of annualized Berry synergy savings, exceeding its 2026 target six months ahead of schedule.

## Links

- Website: https://www.crc.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-leon-74476a2

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/francisco-leon
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23