Anadarko Petroleum Corp. has promoted Al Walker, the company's president and COO, to the position of president and CEO. Jim Hackett will continue serving the company in the newly created position of executive chairman.

Hornbeck Offshore Services Inc. has appointed Nicholas L. Swyka to its board of directors, effective February 14, 2012.

Sidley Austin LLP has opened a Houston office to expand its service to energy-based clients.

Adding to its international energy practice, SNR Denton has added a team of oil and gas attorneys to the firm’s Washington, DC office.

Petrobras has elected Maria das Graças Silva Foster as CEO, taking over from José Sergio Gabrielli de Azevedo. Gabrielli will remain in office until next Monday, February 13th, when the new CEO will take office.

Noble Corp. has named Bernie G. Wolford to the position of senior vice president - operations.

J-W Energy Co. has named Perry A. Harris to the position of president of J-W Wireline Co. Harris has over 30 years of senior management experience in the oil and gas industry.  

Murphy Oil Corp. (NYSE:MUR) has made two executive promotions.

PetroFrontier Corp. has appointed Earl Scott as COO of PetroFrontier and president of its two wholly-owned Australian subsidiaries, PetroFrontier (Australia) Pty. Ltd. and Texalta (Australia) Pty. Ltd.