HOUSTON, Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ION Geophysical Corporation (NYSE: IO) today announced that on January 1, 2012, R. Brian Hanson became the company's Chief Executive Officer, adding to the role of President he assumed in August when the company announced a planned leadership transition. Mr. Hanson assumed the position of CEO previously held by Robert P. Peebler, who became ION's Executive Chairman on January 1, 2012.

Mr. Peebler commented, "I am pleased to turn over the day-to-day management of ION to Brian. Since Brian joined the company in 2006 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the scope of his responsibilities has continually expanded, and he has been instrumental in the company's transformation from a provider of seismic equipment to a provider of integrated geophysical solutions to the global oil & gas industry. I am confident that under Brian's leadership, ION will provide even greater value to ION's clients and shareholders."

Mr. Hanson concluded, "I would like to thank Bob for his leadership and guidance. I am excited to lead the next chapter in ION's evolution and look forward to working closely with the ION Board of Directors and our management team to continue to deliver on our high-value strategy."

About ION
ION Geophysical Corporation is a leading provider of geophysical technology, services, and solutions for the global oil & gas industry. ION's offerings are designed to allow E&P operators to obtain higher resolution images of the subsurface to reduce the risk of exploration and reservoir development, and to enable seismic contractors to acquire geophysical data safely and efficiently. Additional information about ION is available at www.iongeo.com.

The information included herein contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may vary fundamentally from those described in these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements reflect numerous assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include risk factors that are disclosed by ION from time to time in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contacts
ION (Investor relations)
Chief Financial Officer
Greg Heinlein, +1 281.781.1046

ION (Media relations)
Director - Corporate Marketing
Karen Abercrombie, +1 713.366.7281
karen.abercrombie@iongeo.com

SOURCE ION Geophysical Corporation