Occidental Petroleum appointed Claire O'Neill to the board of directors effective Jan. 17, the company announced in a press release on Jan. 20.

With her appointment and inclusion in the corporate governance and nominating committee and sustainability and shareholder engagement committee, Oxy's board has expanded one to nine total directors.

"I'm honored to serve on Occidental's Board," O'Neill commented in the release. "Oxy is making strategic investments in innovative low carbon initiatives, including direct air capture and carbon storage, which can transform its business and help achieve global climate objectives."

With over 16 years of consulting, finance and clean growth experience, O'Neill formerly served as a member of U.K. Parliament and Minister for Energy and Clean Growth, as well as managing director of climate and energy for the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Additionally, she was the president-designate for COP26 from 2019 to 2020, overseeing the successful summit in Glasgow.

She currently serves as the WBCSD's co-chair of the global imperatives advisory board, Climate Impact X executive board director and chair of the international advisory council and Responsible Energy Forum co-founder and co-chair.

"Throughout her career, Claire has developed an approach that recognizes the role of oil and gas in the energy transition and focuses on reducing and removing emissions," independent board chairman Jack Moore said. "She is respected by both energy and climate advocates and has demonstrated leadership that will enhance our low carbon initiatives and pathway to net zero while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our business, delivering value to Occidental’s shareholders."