Noble Corporation plc announced that the retirement of Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer David W. Williams, and the election by the Board of Directors of Julie J. Robertson to succeed Mr. Williams in such roles. The leadership succession plan calls for Mr. Williams to remain with the company through February 2018, serving in an advisory capacity. Ms. Robertson has served as the company's Executive Vice President since 2006. In this role, she has had direct oversight for human resources, procurement and supply chain, learning and development, health, safety environmental functions, and information technology.

From July 2001, she served as Senior Vice President - Administration and has served continuously as Corporate Secretary since December 1993. Throughout her tenure she has played an important role in the company's leadership and in September 2017, was named to the company's Board of Directors.