CALIFORNIA - News from Aug. 11, 1985

As expected, the board of directors elected John J. Byrne as chairman, chief executive and a director of Fireman’s Fund Corp., Novato, succeeding Sanford I. Weill. Byrne will assume the posts Sept. 3.

Also, Howard L. Clark, former chief executive of American Express Co., has been elected to fill a vacancy on the corporation’s board. Fireman’s Fund Corp. is the holding company for American Express’ insurance operations.