San Diego-based Sempra Energy said Steven Davis will become executive vice president for external affairs and corporate strategy, effective Sept. 26, replacing Jessie Knight who is retiring Nov. 1. In the interim Knight, a former regulator at the California Public Utilities Commission, will continue as Sempra’s executive vice president and chairman of its two California utilities, Southern California Gas Co. and San Diego Gas and Electric Co. (SDG&E). Davis, a 35-year veteran with Sempra companies who is currently COO of SDG&E, in his new position will oversee all of Sempra’s communications, government relations, regulatory and international affairs, reporting directly to CEO Debra Reed.