Jan 13 (Reuters) - Chevron ( CVX ) has hired a new vice

president to oversee government affairs, communications and

social investment activities, the U.S. oil producer announced on

Monday.

Laura Lane, previously chief corporate affairs and

sustainability officer at UPS, will become Chevron's ( CVX ) chief

corporate affairs officer effective Feb. 1. She will succeed Al

Williams, who retired in April.

"Laura's background in both the private and public sectors,

her proven leadership in complex global organizations and

experience working in diverse geographic locations makes her

well-suited to lead Chevron's ( CVX ) global corporate affairs

activities," said CEO Michael Wirth in a statement.

Lane joins at a pivotal time when the company is working to

close its $53 billion agreement to acquire oil producer Hess,

which has been stalled by a contract arbitration challenge by

Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) and CNOOC, Hess' partners in a Guyana oil production

joint venture.

Wirth has ushered in new hires to refresh Chevron ( CVX ) after the

former heads of finance, human resources and oil products and

gas either resigned or retired.