HOUSTON, July 15 (Reuters) - Former Chevron Corp

chairman and CEO Kenneth T. Derr, who led the company between

1989 and 1999, died on Friday shortly before his 88th birthday

surrounded by his family, the company said on Monday.

Derr expanded Chevron's ( CVX ) global operations during his term.

The company entered a partnership in Kazakhstan's massive Tengiz

oil field, signed partnerships in Africa and re-entered Kuwait,

Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. He retired in 1999 after a 40-year

career.

"Ken was truly a great leader whose vision and leadership

helped guide Chevron ( CVX ) through momentous times," CEO Michael Wirth

said in a note.