June 18 (Reuters) - U.S. bank BNY has hired

British energy giant BP's executive Leigh-Ann Russell as

its chief information officer (CIO), it said on Tuesday.

Russell will succeed Bridget Engle, who is stepping down in

September after nearly seven years in the role.

"This is without a doubt certainly the biggest opportunity

in my career," said Russell, who will report to BNY CEO Robin

Vince.

BNY oversees nearly $50 trillion of assets and is the oldest

bank in the United States.

Most recently, Russell was the executive vice president of

innovation and engineering at BP, where she oversaw digital,

information technology, cyber and other operations.