Rex Tillerson will bring tough, real world pragmatism to politics

The former Exxon Mobil oil giant boss has more influence than most presidents and knows how to cut a deal. He would be an able secretary of state, says Amir Handjani

US PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, former Exxon Mobil chairman, Rex Tillerson, is a controversial choice.

Having surrounded himself with retired generals for national security positions, in Tillerson Trump has chosen someone with no previous government experience to be the nation’s chief diplomat. But it would be a mistake for foreign policy experts and political pundits to dismiss Tillerson.