Chevron Layoffs Begin as Oil Giant Shifts HQ from California to Texas

Chevron has revealed intentions to terminate 600 employees at its established San Ramon, California hub as part of a comprehensive corporate restructuring associated with its move to Texas. The planned cuts, set to commence on June 1, were revealed in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice submitted to the California Employment Development Department.

Henry Perea, Chevron's manager of state government affairs, stated in a notice dated March 27, "Chevron is taking action to simplify our organizational structure, execute faster and more effectively, and position the company for stronger long-term competitiveness."

The layoffs represent a significant move in Chevron’s ongoing shift to Houston, where the company is consolidating its operations to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

In August, Chevron confirmed that Houston, already home to approximately 7,000 employees, would serve as its official corporate headquarters.

The San Ramon office has been the company’s global headquarters for over twenty years.

“We will have fewer positions, unfortunately, and fewer people,” Perea remarked, indicating that additional layoffs could be forthcoming. “We anticipate additional layoffs. However, the extent and number for Chevron Lakeside [San Ramon office] have not been finalized.”

Chevron has highlighted Houston’s favorable business climate, affordable cost of living, and proximity to major industry stakeholders as key factors in its decision to relocate.

In February, Chevron announced its intention to cut its global workforce by 15% to 20% by the end of 2026 as part of a larger efficiency initiative.

The job cuts come alongside Chevron’s proposed $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation, a notable deal currently undergoing regulatory review.

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