Arco President Wycoff to Retire

Robert E. Wycoff will step down as Arco’s president and chief operating officer in a management change that includes the retirement of three top vice presidents, the company said Monday.

Wycoff, 62, will be replaced June 1 by Mike R. Bowlin, now Arco’s executive vice president.

The changes are part of a management succession strategy developed in recent years, said Lodwrick M. Cook, Arco’s chairman and chief executive officer. Cook is scheduled to retire in 1995.

Wycoff joined Arco in 1953 and was named president and chief operating officer in 1985. He will assume the title of president emeritus and remain chairman of Lyondell Petrochemical Co., in which Arco is the major shareholder.

After graduating from North Texas State University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration, Bowlin went to work for Arco in 1969.

Also retiring June 1 are James S. Morrison, 63, executive vice president; Vice President Donald A. Murray, 62, and Senior Vice President George H. Babikian, 65, who also is president of Arco Products Co.