CVX's merger with Hess clears FTC review but John Hess steps into an advisory role after the FTC blocks his board appointment over OPEC-related concerns.

The US antitrust regulator will allow Chevron Corp. to proceed with its $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp. on the condition Chief Executive Officer John Hess is barred from the supermajor’s board, alleging he improperly communicated with OPEC.

The Federal Trade Commission has prohibited Hess Corp CEO John Hess from joining Chevron’s board as part of the conditions for their $53 billion merger. The FTC alleged that Hess had communicated with OPEC over the years,