Valero CEO Bill Klesse will step down effective May 1, the company announced today. Joe Gorder, who has served as president and COO of Valero since 2012, will become its new CEO. A 45-year veteran of Valero, Klesse was appointed to the chief executive position in 2006 after Bill Greehey stepped down. Valero expanded into new markets and geographies under Klesse's leadership, adding refining assets in Europe to its portfolio and entering the renewables business. Among the various executive management roles Gorder has held in his 27 years at Valero was the presidency of Valero Europe. Gorder will become a member of the company's board of directors immediately. Klesse will remain chairman of the board.