Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC) elected Sean Gourley as an independent director, the company said Sept. 16. His appointment became effective Sept. 15.

Gourley is founder and CEO of Primer, a software developer for artificial intelligence applications. Prior to founding Primer, he was founder and chief technology officer of Quid, an augmented intelligence company.

Currently, he is an equity partner with Data Collective Venture Capital Fund, Anadarko said.

Gourley has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. He received a doctoral degree from Oxford.

"Our industry and company will increasingly use big data and artificial intelligence to improve exploration, development and production success, and to do it more safely and efficiently," said Al Walker, chairman, president and CEO.

"As a highly successful executive and entrepreneur in the tech sector, Sean brings a unique and valuable perspective to Anadarko's board of directors. Our company is continuously expanding its use of leading-edge technology to develop oil and natural gas resources, and having a board member with Sean's expertise will complement and enhance our ability to leverage technology as a competitive advantage," Walker said.

Additionally, Amanda M. McMillian became senior vice president, general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer. She was formerly vice president, deputy general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer, the company said.

McMillian also was vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Western Gas Holdings LLC, a subsidiary. She also was general partner of Western Gas Partners LP from January 2008 to August 2012.

McMillian began her career at law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, working on transactional, corporate governance and securities matters.

She has a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern University, and a master’s degree and a law degree from Duke University.

Robert K. (Bobby) Reeves will become executive vice president-law and chief administrative officer. He will remain on the executive committee, Anadarko said. Formerly, he was executive vice president, general counsel and chief administrative officer.

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. is based in Houston.