Rowan Welcomes New Executive VP

Rowan Companies plc announced Tuesday that J. Kevin Bartol has been appointed to serve as the Company's Executive Vice President, Finance and Corporate Development. In this new role, Mr. Bartol will lead our Finance, Investor Relations and Corporate Development departments. William H. Wells will continue to serve as our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, reporting to Mr. Bartol. Mr. Bartol joined the Company in 2007 and previously served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development.

Matt Ralls, Rowan's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I am pleased to announce this new position. Kevin has been instrumental in developing and implementing the Company's strategy including the acquisition of Skeie Drilling & Production ASA, and the sale of our manufacturing and land drilling divisions. In this new position, Kevin's strengths in strategy development and financial analysis will be a valuable complement to Bill Wells and his finance and accounting groups. I am confident that Kevin's leadership will help ensure Rowan's continued success in our strategic transformation."