Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) announced the effective date for Steven L. Newman to become CEO is March 1, 2010. As previously announced, Newman will succeed Robert L. Long, who is retiring as CEO. In keeping with current corporate governance best practices, Long will also be resigning from the company's Board of Directors effective February 28, 2010.
Newman will be included on the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders agenda in May as a candidate for election as a member of the Board of Directors. Newman has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since May 2008. He previously served in various senior management roles, including Executive Vice President of Performance; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Information Process Solutions, and Treasury; and Vice President of Performance and Technology. He also has served in international field and operations management positions, including Project Engineer, Rig Manager, Division Manager, Region Marketing Manager, Region Operations Manager, and Region Manager.