Feb 5 (Reuters) - Chevron Corp CVX.N on Thursday outlined senior leadership changes that will take effect in 2026, with several long-serving executives retiring and internal candidates stepping into key roles across strategy, trading and business development.

The changes come as the U.S. oil major continues to integrate Hess assets and navigate a volatile energy market marked by fluctuating oil prices, rising capital discipline and increased investor focus on returns.

Frank Mount, president of corporate business development, will retire in November after 33 years at Chevron. Jake Spiering, currently director of investor relations, will succeed him on August 1.

Jeanine Wai will become director of investor relations, effective April 1.

Chevron also said Patricia Leigh, president of supply and trading, will retire in July after 35 years.

Molly Laegeler, currently chief strategy officer, will succeed Leigh, effective March 1, overseeing supply, logistics and trading.

Kevin Lyon, who is leading the integration of Hess, will replace Laegeler as chief strategy officer on the same date.

In addition, Bruce Niemeyer, president of shale and tight, will retire in October after 26 years.

Gerbert Schoonman will succeed him effective April 1, while Niemeyer will remain a senior executive advisor through October.

(Reporting by Arunima Kumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)

((Arunima.Kumar@thomsonreuters.com;))