Rowan Companies plc announced that Dr. Thomas P. Burke has been promoted to President and will remain as the COO. Mr. Matt Ralls will continue to serve as the company’s CEO until his retirement in mid-2014, when it is anticipated that Burke will succeed him as the CEO and Ralls will assume the role of Executive Chairman.
Ralls commented, “I am pleased to announce this promotion for Tom. He has contributed significantly to the success of Rowan, first in his role of President & CEO of our manufacturing subsidiary, LeTourneau Technologies, Inc., prior to its sale, and more recently in his duties as Chief Operating Officer of Rowan since July 2011. I am confident that Tom’s leadership will ensure continued success in delivering our business objectives.”
Mr. Jack Lentz, the company’s Chairman, commented, “The Board unanimously supports Tom’s promotion and the succession plan that Matt has initiated. When Matt became CEO in January 2009, we agreed that an orderly succession plan should be in place in about five years. These steps will accomplish this objective and secure Matt Ralls’ continued commitment to the Company’s strategic direction.”
Burke was appointed COO of the Rowan in July 2011. He joined the Company in December 2009 and served as the President and CEO of LeTourneau. He holds a DPhil (PhD) in Engineering Science from Trinity College, Oxford and an MBA with High Distinction from Harvard Business School.
