Transocean enlists NOV man as CEO

Transocean, an offshore drillign contractor, has announced that Jeremy D. Thigpen has been named President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 22, 2015.

Thigpen succeeds Ian C. Strachan, Interim CEO. Strachan, who is also the company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, will retire from the Board at the end of his term at the 2015 Annual General Meeting following approximately 16 years of service.

Prior to joining Transocean, Thigpen spent his career in various roles at National Oilwell Varco (NOV) and has served since 2012 as NOV’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, he was President of NOV’s Downhole and Pumping Solutions business from 2007 until 2012, and from 2003 to 2007 served as President of NOV’s Downhole Tools group. Mr. Thigpen joined National-Oilwell, Inc. in 1997 and, before being named President of Downhole Tools, served in various management and business development capacities, including Director of Business Development and Special Assistant to the Chairman. Mr. Thigpen earned a Bachelor of Arts, Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University and completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School.

“Jeremy is an exceptionally talented and proven executive who brings to Transocean considerable experience and a unique perspective on the industry,” said Ian C. Strachan.

“As evidenced by the unanimous support of the Board, Jeremy is the right person at the right time for Transocean. He has a strong record of value creation and fully embraces our business philosophy, including our commitment to safety and operational excellence; respect for our employees, customers and suppliers; honesty and integrity; and financial discipline. We are extremely fortunate to have Jeremy join us in the Chief Executive role.”

Thigpen said, “I am truly humbled, honored and excited to have been selected to lead one of the most respected franchises in the industry. I look forward to collaborating with the management team, employees, and customers to reinforce and continue to enhance Transocean’s premier position among offshore drillers.”

Clay Williams, Chairman, President and CEO of National Oilwell Varco, remarked, “In his 18 years with NOV, it has been a pleasure to work with Jeremy both as CFO and for many years before that. Jeremy has always performed at the highest level and been a great credit to National Oilwell Varco. We are disappointed to lose Jeremy and his contributions to NOV’s success. We are excited that Jeremy will be leading a great company and longstanding NOV customer at Transocean Ltd., and we look forward to continuing our relationship with him in his new role.”