news releases

Occidental Announces Retirement of VP and Controller

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2008 -- Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) announced today that Jim A. Leonard, Vice President and Controller, will retire after more than 30 years of service.

Commenting on Mr. Leonard's planned retirement, Stephen I. Chazen, Oxy's President and Chief Financial Officer said, "Jim has been a valuable asset to Occidental's finance team. We thank him for his significant contributions to the company."

About Oxy

Occidental Petroleum Corporation is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Middle East/North Africa and Latin America regions. Oxy is the fourth largest U.S. oil and gas company, based on equity market capitalization. Oxy's wholly owned subsidiary, OxyChem, manufactures and markets chlor-alkali products and vinyls. Occidental is committed to safeguarding the environment, protecting the safety and health of employees and neighboring communities and upholding high standards of social responsibility in all of the company's worldwide operations.

CONTACT:  Occidental Petroleum Corporation
          Media
          Richard S. Kline
            310-443-6249
            richard_kline@oxy.com
          Investors
          Chris Stavros
            212-603-8184
            chris_stavros@oxy.com
          www.oxy.com