Trump picks ExxonMobil’s boss as Secretary of State

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has confirmed his pick of ExxonMobil CEO, Rex Tillerson, as Secretary of State.

Mr. Trump cited Mr. Tillerson’s business acumen and “broad experience and deep understanding of geopolitics’’.

He praised the 64-year-old Republican as one of the world’s most successful businessmen.

“Tillerson’s career is the embodiment of the American dream,” he said in a statement.

“Through hard work, dedication and smart deal making, Tillerson rose through the ranks to become CEO of Exxon Mobil, one of the world’s largest and most respected companies,’’ Mr. Trump said.

As Secretary of State, Mr. Tillerson said he will focus on strengthening alliances, while pursuing “shared national interests and enhancing the strength, security and sovereignty of the United States.’’

(dpa/NAN)