UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): January 3, 2012


BERRY PETROLEUM COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware
1-9735
77-0079387
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1999 Broadway, Suite 3700, Denver, Colorado
80202
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 999-4400


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))






ITEM 8.01     OTHER EVENTS.

On January 3, 2012, Berry Petroleum Company (“Company”) announced the promotion of George W. Ciotti from Vice President, Corporate Development to Vice President, Rocky Mountain Production. In his new capacity, Mr. Ciotti will assume responsibility for the Company’s producing operations in both Colorado and Utah. Mr. Ciotti will retain his current responsibilities for information technology strategy development and project implementation and will report directly to Mr. Michael Duginski, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. David D. Wolf, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will assume the Company’s corporate development responsibilities.



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


BERRY PETROLEUM COMPANY
 
By:
/s/ Davis O. O’Connor
 
Davis O. O’Connor
 
Corporate Secretary


Date: January 5, 2012