Founder Profile
William E. Greehey
Last reviewed: October 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya
Who is William E. Greehey?
William E. Greehey is a founder of Valero Energy, which was founded in 1980.
- Company founded
- Valero Energy
- Founded
- 1980
Background
Greehey worked in energy finance and management before taking charge of LoVaca. He later became known in San Antonio for philanthropy, including Haven for Hope.
Founding Story
William E. Greehey led LoVaca Gathering Company through the settlement that created Valero in 1980 and became its first CEO. He moved the company from natural gas into refining, sold the gas business in 1997, and expanded the refining system through acquisitions before stepping down as CEO at the end of 2005.
William E. Greehey was born in 1936 in Fort Dodge. Education: St. Mary's University.
William Eugene "Bill" Greehey was born on June 9, 1936 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was also founding chief executive and chairman of NuStar Energy.