Rowan elects tenth board member

Rowan Companies, a Houston-based drilling contractor, has appointed Charles L. Szews to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Rowan said on Monday that this appointment raises the director tally to ten, nine of which are independent.

Before his appointment, Szews served as CEO of Oshkosh Corporation, a manufacturer, designer and marketer of specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies. He left the position in December 2015.

Szews held several other positions at Oshkosh, including President and CEO from 2011 to 2012, President and Chief Operating Officer from 2007 to 2011 and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1997 to 2007.

He currently serves as a director of Commercial Metals Company and previously served as a director of Gardner Denver Inc. and Oshkosh Corporation.

Rowan said that he was recommended to the company by one of its largest shareholders, Blue Harbour Group, which has entered into a Support Agreement in connection with Szews’ appointment to the Board.

Rowan’s Chief Executive Officer, Tom Burke, said: “We believe Charlie’s extensive operational and financial experience including his background in manufacturing, technology and international markets will be a great asset to our Board.”