Noble Energy, Inc. announced that Charles D. Davidson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, plans to retire on May 1, 2015, and that he will leave the board of directors at that time. Mr. Davidson has served as Chief Executive Officer and Director since joining the company in 2000. The board announced that it will propose the election of David L. Stover as a Director at its April 22, 2014 organizational meeting following the annual meeting, and that it intends to appoint Mr. Stover as Chief Executive Officer in October 2014.

Mr. Davidson will serve as the company's Chairman until the 2015 annual meeting. Mr. Stover currently serves as the company's President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Stover was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of Noble Energy in April 2009.

Prior to that, he served in several other executive positions following his joining the company in 2002. Before joining Noble Energy, he was employed by BP America, Inc., Vastar Resources and Atlantic Richfield.