Marathon Petroleum Company has announced that its senior vice president of major downstream projects Larry Echelberger will retire on January 1, 2008.

Mr Echelberger joined Marathon as a research scientist. Throughout his 40 year career, he held numerous engineering and managerial positions with Marathon, including manager of the eastern pipe line division, the Michigan refining division and the Louisiana refining division. He was named senior vice president of refining in 2001.

Mr Echelberger serves on the executive committee and the board of directors of the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association, and is a member of the American Chemical Society and the 25-year club of the petroleum industry.

Gary Heminger, executive vice president of Marathon Oil Corporation, said: Larry is recognized as a leader experienced in construction and refining process management. He has made significant contributions to both Marathon and the petroleum industry during his 40 year career.