Noble Corporation plc has announced the retirement of Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer David W. Williams, and the election by the Board of Directors of Julie J. Robertson to succeed Williams in such roles. The leadership succession plan calls for Williams to remain with the Company through February 2018, serving in an advisory capacity.

“Julie’s record of contribution to the Company in many capacities over more than 38 years of service and her thorough understanding of the offshore drilling industry combine to create an exceptional foundation for strong leadership,” says Williams. “Her comprehensive skill set, along with the excellent management team already in place, should drive further achievements and fortify Noble’s outstanding industry position. It has been an honour to lead Noble over the past 10 years and I am confident this will be a seamless leadership transition that will gain solid support among our employees, customers and shareholders.”

During the ten years of Williams’ leadership he successfully guided the Company through periods of extreme volatility. He also initiated and executed the substantial newbuild program that has positioned Noble as one of the leading high-specification drilling companies in the industry.

Gordon T. Hall, Noble Corporation’s Lead Independent Director, states, “David has been the driving force behind Noble’s transformation into a high-specification drilling company. He was a steady and highly visible leader through the worst industry recession in more than 30 years. David assembled a talented management team and leaves Noble in good hands and well-positioned for continued success. He has served the Company well during his distinguished tenure and the Board thanks him for his leadership and for the legacy he leaves behind.”

Robertson has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President since 2006. In this role, she has had direct oversight for human resources, procurement and supply chain, learning and development, health, safety environmental functions, and information technology. From July 2001, she served as Senior Vice President – Administration and has served continuously as Corporate Secretary since December 1993. Throughout her tenure she has played an important role in the Company’s leadership and in September 2017, was named to the Company’s Board of Directors.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with David and am grateful for my election as the next Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Noble,” says Robertson. “I am honored to lead our talented and dedicated work force and in helping them deliver the high-quality, safe and efficient services our clients have come to expect from us. Noble is in an advantageous position as we enter the next phase of the industry cycle with high-specification assets, a substantial backlog, strong customer relationships and world class employees. As a team, we will continue to build on our established record of client-focused operational excellence.”

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