Noble Corp. has named Bernie G. Wolford to the position of senior vice president - operations. Wolford will be responsible for increasing Noble's organizational capabilities, advancing the company's culture of safety and ensuring operational excellence throughout the Noble fleet. Wolford will report to David W. Williams, chairman, president and CEO.

Wolford previously served as Noble's vice president - operational excellence, where he was instrumental in the development and implementation of programs addressing Noble's subsea operations, as well as the development of programs designed to improve safety and operational integrity. He initially joined Noble through the Transworld acquisition in 1991 and has held division manager positions in both the Middle East and Brazil divisions. He earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University and he has more than 30 years of energy industry experience.

In his new role, Wolford succeeds D. E. "Don" Jacobsen, who will be heading a newly-created outreach program as Noble's senior vice president – industry and government affairs. Jacobsen, who currently serves on the senior advisory committee to US Secretary of the Interior Salazar, will advance Noble's relationship worldwide with trade associations, elected officials and third-party organizations with interests in our industry.