The Federal Trade Commission has prohibited Hess Corp CEO John Hess from joining Chevron’s board as part of the conditions for their $53 billion merger. The FTC alleged that Hess had communicated with OPEC over the years,

The FTC on Monday alleged that John Hess encouraged OPEC representatives to take action that supports higher oil prices. Hess Corp. and Chevron have agreed that they will not appoint Hess to the board in order to facilitate the completion of the merger.

CVX's merger with Hess clears FTC review but John Hess steps into an advisory role after the FTC blocks his board appointment over OPEC-related concerns.