David Scott, the head of Exxon’s shale oil business, has been arrested on a sexual assault charge after one of the two women he was with called the police. The incident took place at a hotel in Magnolia, Texas, close to Exxon’s headquarters. Scott, a married senior vice president, was reported by one of the women after she left the hotel room and called the authorities. He has been suspended from his work duties pending further investigation.
Scott, who is currently involved in merger talks with rival Pioneer Natural Resources, has been with Exxon for over 26 years and has worked on significant oil and gas projects worldwide. The Australian-born executive took up the senior vice president role eight months ago with an estimated salary of up to $520,000. He now faces a second-degree felony assault charge and has been released on a $30,000 bond.
ExxonMobil has confirmed Scott’s suspension and stated that all employees are required to observe the highest standards of integrity and code of conduct. They are aware of the allegations and are unable to comment further, but have assured that Scott will not continue his work responsibilities as the investigation proceeds. Pioneer Natural Resources has yet to comment on the matter.