HOUSTON (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.