Parker Drilling Co. announced that its Board of Directors has selected Gary Rich as president and chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2012. Mr. Rich will also serve as a member of Parker Drilling's board of directors.

Most recently, Mr. Rich served as vice president of global sales for Baker Hughes, and prior to this role, he served as president of that company's European operations. Mr. Rich assumes the president and chief executive officer role from Robert L. Parker Jr., who will remain executive chairman of Parker Drilling.