(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.