S.D. Standard Drilling Plc announced the appointment of a new management team member. Ron Cunningham has been appointed as Vice President Engineering. The newly established position support the continued expansion of Standard Drilling's staff and operational infrastructure in connection with the construction, marketing and operation of six jackup rigs, five of which deliver in 2013. Mr. Cunningham brings to the role deep engineering experience and has worked for 35 years in engineering management and technical roles throughout the world. Prior to joining Standard Drilling, Mr. Cunningham served as Vice President Engineering at Hercules Offshore Inc. Mr. Cunningham has significant experience from numerous senior engineering roles and has, through his career, been building and overseeing technical teams while developing technical programs to ensure asset reliability, employee safety and environmental protection. He also has extensive project management skills and a background in the design, construction and maintenance of a variety of marine vessels. As Vice President Engineering at Hercules Offshore Inc., he served and supported an ambitious push into foreign markets that required technical rig upgrades stipulated by customers for international contracts in Malaysia, India, West Africa and the Middle East. In addition to Hercules, Mr. Cunningham has worked at TODCO, Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc., Arethusa Offshore Company and Sedco Forex.