Who is Rex Tillerson? From Exxon chief to US secretary of state

President-elect Donald Trump has officially selected Rex Tillerson to be his secretary of state, much to the alarm of Democrats and some Republicans.

Trump praised the Exxon Mobil chief executive as one of the "most accomplished business leaders and international dealmakers" in the world, but concerns have been raised about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Like others in the new Trump Cabinet, the ExxonMobil chief executive lacks any experience in government but will try to apply his experience in the business world to the realm of diplomacy," says the Washington Post.

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What is Tillerson's background?

Born in Texas in 1952, Tillerson graduated with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1975. He then spent four decades at what is now Exxon Mobil, working his way up to become chief executive in 2006. Trump claims the businessman's career is "the embodiment of the American dream". He has four children and lives in Irving, Texas.

What about his ties with Russia?

In saying he will nominate Tillerson, Trump is "dismissing bipartisan concerns the globe-trotting leader of an energy giant has a too-cosy relationship with Vladimir Putin", says the New York Post. Both Republicans and Democrats have already warned Tillerson will face "intense scrutiny over his two-decade relationship with Russia, which awarded him its Order of Friendship in 2013", says the newspaper. His company also has billions of dollars in oil contracts that can only go forward if the US lifts sanctions against Russia.

Will he definitely become secretary of state?

The nomination needs Senate approval and Trump faces a potential confrontation with members of his own party. According to CNN, one official has said there is a plan to sell Tillerson to sceptical senators, with the transition team confident the more lawmakers get to know him, the more comfortable they will be with his appointment.