HOUSTON -- Citgo Petroleum Corp. Chief Executive Felix Rodriguez has stepped down and board Chairman Alejandro Granado was selected to replace him, a source familiar with the situation said Wednesday.

Rodriguez took over the leadership of Citgo, the U.S. refining and marketing subsidiary of Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), in January 2005.

Citgo spokesman Fernando Garay said the company had no immediate comment.

Company insiders have said Rodriguez's relationship with Venezuelan Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez has deteriorated in the past year, making the Citgo CEO's departure more likely.

Ramirez also serves as president of PDVSA.

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Rodriguez took over as Citgo president and CEO from Luis Marin, who held the top spot for a year and a half. Prior to becoming chief executive, Rodriguez was in charge of PDVSA's production and exploration operations.

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