$1.3 billion Mariner Energy has hired R. Cris Sherman as vice president and chief accounting officer, effective as of Oct. 26. Sherman joins Mariner from the professional services firm Sirius Solutions, which he joined in 2004 after more than 20 years of experience in various accounting positions.

In other news, the company announced that John Karnes, senior vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer, is leaving the company to pursue other interests. Jesus Melendrez, Mariner’

s senior vice president of corporate development, has been named senior vice president and chief commercial officer and will serve in the additional roles of acting chief financial officer and treasurer.