On November 14, 2014, at the International Association of Drilling Contractors’ (IADC) annual general meeting in New Orleans, Ed S. Jacob, III was elected chairman of the IADC by its board of directors. In addition, in recognition of his career and significant industry contributions, Jacob was recognized at the general meeting with the 2014 Contractor of the Year Award.
The annual Contractor of the Year Award was established in 1988 to recognize an individual drilling contractor’s outstanding lifetime achievements in technical innovation, safety and economic efficiency within the drilling industry.
Sponsored by National Oilwell Varco (NOV), this is the only award in the industry reserved solely for drilling contractors. All recipients are nominated and selected by IADC members.
Jacob began his career at Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Co., where he held positions of increasing responsibility for thirteen years. He currently serves as a director of Independence Contract Drilling (ICD) and has served as its president and chief operating officer (CEO) since February, 2013. As a senior member of the company’s management team, Jacob oversees both ICD’s day-to-day operations and strategy.
While presenting the award, Clay Williams, CEO at NOV, said, “For more than 20 years, Mr. Jacob has been at the forefront of innovation in a fast-moving oilfield services industry. He has been instrumental in the movement of the industry towards specialized equipment and has provided strong leadership across the sector.”