According to US media reports, Mr McDavid – who takes up the role on 16 July – replaces Alicia Myara, who has been interim general counsel since November last year.
Mr McDavid -- who was previously general counsel at banking giant JP Morgan Chase & Co -- will serve on the company’s management committee and report to chief executive Donald Layton.
In the UK, National Grid general counsel and company secretary Helen Mahy has announced she will step down at the start of 2013 after 11 years with the energy giant, according to Legal Week.
Ms Mahy, who joined the company through a 2002 merger with gas transmissions company Lattice, is understood to be pursuing interests outside of law.
UK hedge fund manager Winton Capital is set to appoint its first head of legal, as Brigid Rentoul prepares to leave magic circle firm Linklaters to take the position.
Ms Rentoul – who became at partner at the London-based global practice in 1997 –specialises in international equity offers, domestic equity issues and takeovers, according to Legal Week.
Ms Rentoul will advise on all legal matters at the London-based hedge fund manager, including compliance and transactional work. She will also work closely with Andrew Bastow, Winton’s general counsel and head of government and regulatory affairs.