Occidental Adds Oil, Gas Veteran to Replace Retired Legal Chief

Occidental Petroleum Corp., an oil and gas company backed by Warren Buffett, has appointed Sylvia Kerrigan to be its new chief legal officer.

Kerrigan confirmed via email her new position at the energy exploration and production company. She takes over from longtime Occidental general counsel Marcia Backus, who stepped down Dec. 31 but will remain an executive legal adviser to the Houston-based company prior to her official retirement March 1.

Buffett last year received approval from US energy regulators to acquire up to 50% of Occidental. The billionaire has gradually assembled a larger stake in the company after investing in ...