Brent Smolik to Join Noble Energy as President and Chief Operating Officer

Houston, Oct. 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Noble Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NBL) (“Noble Energy” or “the Company”) announced today that Brent Smolik will be joining the Company effective November 16, 2018 as President and Chief Operating Officer.  He will be responsible for leadership of Noble Energy’s world-wide operations.  

Mr. Smolik will bring more than 35 years of oil and gas experience including significant technical and executive operating experience.  He has held various leadership roles, including as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of EP Energy Corporation; President of the Exploration and Production Company of El Paso Corporation; President of ConocoPhillips, Canada; President of Burlington Resources, Canada; and VP & Chief Engineer of Burlington Resources Inc.  He has also served on the boards of directors of Cameron International Corporation, the American Exploration and Production Council, America’s Natural Gas Alliance and the Producers for American Crude Oil Exports.  Mr. Smolik received his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University.

David L. Stover, Noble Energy’s Chairman, President and CEO, said, “I am excited to add Brent to our executive team as he will bring a wide breadth of operational, technical and leadership experience to Noble Energy.  Having followed his career, I have been impressed by the results he has delivered and the leaders he has developed.  His collaborative leadership style, personal values and industry and executive experience create a great fit for Noble Energy.  I look forward to partnering with Brent to generate significant shareholder value.” 

Mr. Smolik commented, “Dave and his team have a compelling strategy and an impressive portfolio of short-cycle opportunities and longer-term projects.  The assets are complemented by a proven leadership team, highly-effective organizational capabilities and a strong balance sheet.  I am excited about the future of Noble Energy and pleased to join the Noble team.”

Gary Willingham, EVP of Operations, will be leaving the Company to pursue other opportunities.  Mr. Stover added, “I want to thank Gary for his 15 years of service and significant contributions to Noble Energy.  He has been a valued colleague and we wish him well with his future plans.” 

Noble Energy (NYSE: NBL) is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company committed to meeting the world’s growing energy needs and delivering leading returns to shareholders. The Company operates a high-quality portfolio of assets onshore in the United States and offshore in the Eastern Mediterranean and off the west coast of Africa. Founded more than 85 years ago, Noble Energy is guided by its values, its commitment to safety, and respect for stakeholders, communities and the environment. For more information on how the Company fulfills its purpose: Energizing the World, Bettering People’s Lives^®, visit https://www.nblenergy.com.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws.  Words such as "anticipates", “plans”, "believes", "expects", "intends", "will", "should", "may", and similar expressions may be used to identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and reflect Noble Energy's current views about future events. Such forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, future financial and operating results, and other statements that are not historical facts, including estimates of oil and natural gas reserves and resources, estimates of future production, assumptions regarding future oil and natural gas pricing, planned drilling activity, future results of operations, projected cash flow and liquidity, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations.  No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements contained in this news release will occur as projected and actual results may differ materially from those projected.  Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.  These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the volatility in commodity prices for crude oil and natural gas, the presence or recoverability of estimated reserves, the ability to replace reserves, environmental risks, drilling and operating risks, exploration and development risks, competition, government regulation or other actions, the ability of management to execute its plans to meet its goals and other risks inherent in Noble Energy's businesses that are discussed in Noble Energy's most recent annual reports on Form 10-K and in other Noble Energy reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  These reports are also available from the sources described above.  Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made.  Noble Energy does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change.

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Brad Whitmarsh
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Brad.Whitmarsh@nblenergy.com

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