Armand Hammer: The Man Behind The Business Empire

Kaci Schowalter 22 Jun 2025

Who was Armand Hammer?

Armand Hammer was an American oil tycoon, philanthropist, and art collector. He was the chairman and CEO of Occidental Petroleum from 1957 to 1990.

Hammer was born in New York City in 1898. His father, Julius Hammer, was a Russian immigrant who had made a fortune in the oil business. Hammer attended Columbia University and then went to work for his father's company. In 1921, he founded his own oil company, Occidental Petroleum.

Under Hammer's leadership, Occidental Petroleum became one of the largest oil companies in the world. Hammer was also a generous philanthropist. He donated millions of dollars to museums, hospitals, and other charitable organizations.

Hammer died in 1990 at the age of 92. He was a controversial figure, but he was also a successful businessman and a generous philanthropist.

Name	Birth Date	Birth Place	Death Date	Death Place
Armand Hammer	May 21, 1898	New York City, New York, U.S.	December 10, 1990	Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Main article topics:

Armand Hammer's early life and career
Armand Hammer's leadership of Occidental Petroleum
Armand Hammer's philanthropy
Armand Hammer's personal life
Armand Hammer's legacy

Armand Hammer

Armand Hammer was a prominent American oil tycoon, philanthropist, and art collector. His life and career were marked by several key aspects:

Oil Tycoon: Hammer was the chairman and CEO of Occidental Petroleum, one of the largest oil companies in the world.
Philanthropist: Hammer donated millions of dollars to museums, hospitals, and other charitable organizations.
Art Collector: Hammer was a passionate art collector, and his collection included works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir.
Controversial Figure: Hammer was a controversial figure, accused of corruption and spying.
Diplomatic Skills: Hammer used his wealth and influence to promote peace and understanding between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Business Acumen: Hammer was a shrewd businessman who built Occidental Petroleum into a global energy giant.
Personal Life: Hammer was married three times and had three children.
Legacy: Hammer's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a successful businessman, a generous philanthropist, and a controversial figure.

These key aspects provide a glimpse into the life and career of Armand Hammer, a man who left a significant mark on the world.

1. Oil Tycoon

Armand Hammer's role as chairman and CEO of Occidental Petroleum was a defining aspect of his life and career. Under his leadership, Occidental Petroleum grew into one of the largest oil companies in the world. Hammer's success in the oil industry was due in part to his business acumen and his willingness to take risks.

Business Acumen: Hammer was a shrewd businessman who had a deep understanding of the oil industry. He was able to identify opportunities and make sound investment decisions that led to the growth of Occidental Petroleum.
Risk-Taking: Hammer was not afraid to take risks. He was willing to invest in new technologies and explore new markets. This willingness to take risks helped Occidental Petroleum to become a global energy giant.
Global Reach: Under Hammer's leadership, Occidental Petroleum expanded its operations around the world. The company acquired oil fields in the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Political Connections: Hammer used his wealth and influence to build relationships with world leaders. These relationships helped Occidental Petroleum to secure access to oil fields and other resources.

Hammer's success as an oil tycoon had a significant impact on his life and career. It made him one of the richest men in the world and gave him the financial resources to pursue his philanthropic and art collecting interests.

2. Philanthropist

Armand Hammer was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to museums, hospitals, and other charitable organizations. His philanthropy was motivated by a desire to give back to the community and to make a difference in the world.

Hammer's philanthropy had a significant impact on the lives of many people. He donated money to build new hospitals, schools, and libraries. He also supported medical research and the arts. Hammer's philanthropy helped to improve the quality of life for people around the world.

Hammer's philanthropy was also a reflection of his personal values. He believed that it was important to give back to the community and to help those in need. Hammer's philanthropy was a testament to his character and his commitment to making the world a better place.

3. Art Collector

Armand Hammer's passion for art collecting was a defining aspect of his life and career. His collection included works by some of the most famous artists in the world, including Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir.

Personal Fulfillment: Hammer's art collection was a source of great personal fulfillment. He loved to surround himself with beautiful objects, and he took great pride in his collection.
Investment: Hammer also saw his art collection as an investment. He believed that art was a good store of value, and he was always looking for opportunities to acquire new works of art.
Philanthropy: Hammer used his art collection to support charitable causes. He donated works of art to museums and other institutions, and he also used his collection to raise money for charity.
Legacy: Hammer's art collection is a testament to his taste and his generosity. His collection is now housed in the Armand Hammer Museum of Art in Los Angeles, California.

Hammer's passion for art collecting had a significant impact on his life and career. It brought him great personal fulfillment, and it also helped him to build a lasting legacy.

4. Controversial Figure

Armand Hammer was a controversial figure throughout his life and career. He was accused of corruption, spying, and other unsavory activities. These accusations overshadowed his many accomplishments and philanthropic endeavors.

One of the most damaging accusations against Hammer was that he was a spy for the Soviet Union. This accusation was never proven, but it persisted throughout his life. Hammer's close relationships with Soviet leaders and his business dealings in the Soviet Union led many to believe that he was working for the Soviet government.

Hammer was also accused of corruption. He was accused of bribing foreign officials to secure oil deals and of using his wealth to influence politicians. These accusations damaged Hammer's reputation and made it difficult for him to do business in some countries.

Despite the accusations against him, Hammer remained a successful businessman and philanthropist. He built Occidental Petroleum into one of the largest oil companies in the world and donated millions of dollars to museums, hospitals, and other charitable organizations.

Hammer's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a successful businessman, a generous philanthropist, and a controversial figure. The accusations against him have overshadowed his many accomplishments, but they also provide a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and wealth.

5. Diplomatic Skills

Armand Hammer was a wealthy and influential businessman who used his resources to promote peace and understanding between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Personal Diplomacy: Hammer used his personal relationships with world leaders to build bridges between the two superpowers. He met with Soviet leaders on numerous occasions and helped to facilitate dialogue between the two countries.
Cultural Exchange: Hammer promoted cultural exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union. He organized art exhibitions, sporting events, and other events that brought people from both countries together.
Business Diplomacy: Hammer's business dealings in the Soviet Union helped to build trust and cooperation between the two countries. He invested in joint ventures and other projects that benefited both the United States and the Soviet Union.
Legacy: Hammer's diplomatic efforts helped to improve relations between the United States and the Soviet Union during a tense period in history. His work helped to lay the foundation for a more peaceful and cooperative relationship between the two countries.

Armand Hammer's diplomatic skills were a valuable asset to both the United States and the Soviet Union. His work helped to build bridges between the two countries and to promote peace and understanding.

6. Business Acumen

Armand Hammer's business acumen was a key factor in his success as an oil tycoon. He had a deep understanding of the oil industry and was able to identify opportunities and make sound investment decisions. He was also willing to take risks, which helped Occidental Petroleum to become a global energy giant.

One of Hammer's most important business decisions was to invest in oil exploration in Libya. In the 1950s, Libya was a relatively unknown oil producer. However, Hammer believed that Libya had the potential to become a major oil exporter. He invested heavily in oil exploration in Libya, and his gamble paid off. Occidental Petroleum discovered several major oil fields in Libya, which helped to make the company one of the largest oil companies in the world.

Hammer's business acumen was also evident in his ability to build relationships with world leaders. He used his relationships to secure access to oil fields and other resources. For example, Hammer's close relationship with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev helped Occidental Petroleum to secure a major oil deal with the Soviet Union.

Hammer's business acumen was a key factor in his success as an oil tycoon. He was a shrewd businessman who was able to identify opportunities, make sound investment decisions, and build relationships with world leaders. His business acumen helped Occidental Petroleum to become one of the largest oil companies in the world.

7. Personal Life

Armand Hammer's personal life was closely intertwined with his business career. His three marriages and three children played a significant role in his life and influenced his decisions.

Hammer's first marriage was to Olga von Root, a Russian migr. They had one son, Julian Armand Hammer. Hammer's second marriage was to Annelise Francis, an American actress. They had two children, Michael Armand Hammer and Casey Armand Hammer. Hammer's third marriage was to Frances Barrett, a former Miss America. They had no children.

Hammer's children followed in his footsteps and became successful businesspeople. Julian Armand Hammer became a venture capitalist and philanthropist. Michael Armand Hammer became an actor. Casey Armand Hammer became an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Hammer's personal life was not without its challenges. He was divorced three times and had a reputation for being a womanizer. However, he remained close to his children throughout his life.

Hammer's personal life provides insights into his character and motivations. He was a complex and driven man who was both successful and controversial. His personal life was a reflection of his ambition and his desire to leave a lasting legacy.

8. Legacy

Armand Hammer's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a successful businessman, a generous philanthropist, and a controversial figure. His legacy is a reflection of his ambition, his drive, and his complex personality.

Business Success: Hammer was a shrewd businessman who built Occidental Petroleum into one of the largest oil companies in the world. His business acumen and willingness to take risks were key factors in his success.
Philanthropy: Hammer was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to museums, hospitals, and other charitable organizations. His philanthropy was motivated by a desire to give back to the community and to make a difference in the world.
Controversy: Hammer was a controversial figure who was accused of corruption and spying. These accusations overshadowed his many accomplishments and philanthropic endeavors.

Hammer's legacy is a complex and multifaceted reflection of his ambition, his drive, and his complex personality. He was a successful businessman, a generous philanthropist, and a controversial figure. His legacy is a reminder that even the most successful and generous people can be flawed and controversial.

FAQs about Armand Hammer

Armand Hammer was a controversial figure who was both admired and criticized for his business dealings, philanthropy, and personal life. This FAQ section addresses some of the most common questions and misconceptions about Armand Hammer.

Question 1: Was Armand Hammer a spy?

Answer: Armand Hammer was accused of being a spy for the Soviet Union, but these accusations were never proven. Hammer had close relationships with Soviet leaders and did business in the Soviet Union, but there is no evidence that he ever spied for the Soviet government.

Question 2: Was Armand Hammer corrupt?

Answer: Armand Hammer was accused of corruption, including bribing foreign officials and using his wealth to influence politicians. Some of these accusations were investigated, but Hammer was never convicted of any crimes. However, his reputation was damaged by these accusations.

Question 3: Was Armand Hammer a generous philanthropist?

Answer: Yes, Armand Hammer was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to museums, hospitals, and other charitable organizations. He was particularly interested in supporting medical research and the arts.

Question 4: What was Armand Hammer's business legacy?

Answer: Armand Hammer was a successful businessman who built Occidental Petroleum into one of the largest oil companies in the world. He was known for his shrewd business acumen and his willingness to take risks.

Question 5: What is Armand Hammer's overall legacy?

Answer: Armand Hammer's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a successful businessman, a generous philanthropist, and a controversial figure. His legacy is a reminder that even the most successful and generous people can be flawed and controversial.

Summary: Armand Hammer was a complex and controversial figure who made significant contributions to the business world and to philanthropy. His legacy is a reminder that even the most successful people can be flawed and controversial.

Transition to the next article section: Armand Hammer's life and career provide a fascinating study in the complexities of human nature. His story is a reminder that even the most successful and generous people can be flawed and controversial. Hammer's legacy is a complex and multifaceted reflection of his ambition, his drive, and his complex personality.

Conclusion

Armand Hammer was a complex and controversial figure who made significant contributions to the business world and to philanthropy. He was a shrewd businessman who built Occidental Petroleum into one of the largest oil companies in the world. He was also a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to museums, hospitals, and other charitable organizations.

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