Armand Hammer

Who was Armand Hammer?

Armand Hammer was an American business manager and owner, most closely associated with Occidental Petroleum, a company he ran for decades, though he was known as well for his art collection, his philanthropy, and for his close ties to the Soviet Union.

Hammer's business interests around the world and his "citizen diplomacy" helped him cultivate a wide network of friends and acquaintances.

He appeared frequently on television, commenting on international relations or agitating for research into a cure for cancer. As of 2008, he has been the subject of five biographies — in 1975, 1985, Weinberg 1989, Blumay 1992, and Epstein 1996 — and two autobiographies. His art collection and his philanthropic projects were the subject of numerous publications as well.