Rex W. Tillerson, the chief executive of Exxon Mobil, was offered the job of secretary of state by President-elect Donald J. Trump on Tuesday.

It is the latest instance in which Mr. Trump has tapped an executive from corporate America for a high-level cabinet position. Mr. Tillerson, 64, whose extensive deal making for Exxon has plunged him into global politics, is a conservative known to be a quick study and a decisive leader.

He is a Texan by birth, with a twang to show for it. This is what else you should know about him.

1. What does Mr. Tillerson know about diplomacy?

Mr. Tillerson has spent the past 41 years at Exxon, where he began as a production engineer and went on to strike deals for a company that explores for, buys and sells oil and gas in some of the world’s most troubled corners.

Mr. Tillerson has needed some sharp diplomatic skills. He has worked with leaders of numerous countries, including Nigeria and Qatar, and Exxon has been dominant in many countries, including Equatorial Guinea and Sudan. He has long had friendly relations with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.