US regulators will allow Chevron Corp. to move forward with its $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp. but are barring Chief Executive Officer John Hess from joining the supermajor’s board, saying he improperly communicated with OPEC.

The FTC on Monday alleged that John Hess encouraged OPEC representatives to take action that supports higher oil prices. Hess Corp. and Chevron have agreed that they will not appoint Hess to the board in order to facilitate the completion of the merger.

Oil company scion John Hess allegedly 'communicated publicly and privately with OPEC representatives and oil ministers of OPEC member states.'