Saipem Announces New Appointment in Board of Directors

Saipem announces a new appointment in the Board of Directors.

Professor Piergaetano Marchetti has been appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board; he has been appointed by co-optation to the office of non-executive independent Director. Professor Marchetti is one of Italy’s foremost authorities on Corporate Governance. He was a member of the Commission which drafted the Italian Consolidated Law on Finance (the “Testo Unico”), and remains a member of the committee which oversees the Corporate Governance Code for listed companies in Italy (“Codice di Autodisciplina”). Professor Marchetti will provide oversight of the ongoing review of the Company’s governance and control system.

Hugh O’Donnell has announced his retirement from Saipem after 17 years at the Company. He has stepped down from his position as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors effective from today. He will retain his current responsibilities, in the position of COO of Drilling and Business Support, until the end of 2013. During this period he will work with the management team to implement the transition plan.

Hugh O’Donnell was an executive non-independent Director and was not a member of any internal committee.

Alberto Meomartini, Chairman of Saipem, said: “Professor Marchetti has made a great contribution to raising the standards of Corporate Governance and Company Law in Italy, and his appointment will enrich Saipem’s expertise in this important areas.

The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Hugh for his many years of service to Saipem, during which time he helped to transform the business into a market leader. In particular, with the recent changes in the management team Hugh has provided valuable continuity and stability, and has supported Umberto as he has addressed the difficult challenges faced by the company since his appointment in December. We’re delighted that Hugh will remain with us for a further six months as his various responsibilities are allocated across the team.”

Press Release, July 31, 2013