HOUSTON (AP) - British oil producer BP PLC named Robert A. Malone chairman and president of BP America Inc. on Monday. He replaces Ross Pillari, 55, who plans to retire.
A spokesman said the date of Pillari's retirement has not been decided.
Pillari's responsibility for management of BP's business in the U.S., Canada and Latin America is being divided in two.
Malone, 54, will work from Houston where the London-based company has nearly 7,000 employees.
BP said David Peattie, exploration and production group vice president, will assume on responsibility for Canada and Latin America.
Malone, 54, previously served as CEO of BP Shipping Ltd., which operates the company's fleet of oil and gas tankers.