Offshore drilling giant Seadrill is to replace the chief executive of Sevan Drilling with one of its own directors.
Kerr, who had refused an offer to sell his shares to Seadrill during the summer battle for control of the firm, will step down from his role as chief executive on November 15.
The company confirmed he would be replaced by Scott McReaken, who has been serving as Seadrill’s director of finance for its Americas operations since July last year. He had been overseeing operations and financing at Sevan on behalf of Seadrill since the takeover.
“Scott Kerr has been heading Sevan Drilling since the company was listed on Oslo Axess in May 2011. He has played a key role in developing the company into a respected deepwater drilling company with a highly competent staff and a strong future,” said Sevan chairman Erling Lind.
“We wish Scott the very best as he moves forward to other ventures.”
Kerr had been one of a number of senior executives at Sevan who had refused an offer from John Fredriksen’s Seadrill to buy up the remaining stock in the firm, following Seadrill’s acquisition of 50.1% of the company in June.
The board had urged shareholders to reject the offer for outstanding stock, resulting in Seadrill acquiring just a further 0.01% of Sevan.
