Boart Longyear Group Ltd. announced that Chief Operating Officer Denis Despres has additionally been named Chief Executive Officer, Drilling Services effective immediately. Mr. Despres began his career with Boart Longyear in 1981 and held various positions with progressive responsibility in the Company's Drilling Services and Products divisions over the next 26 years, including as Senior Vice President, Drilling Services. After leaving Boart Longyear in 2007, he founded his own drilling business, which was acquired by Major Drilling in 2010.

Mr. Despres served as Major's Chief Operating Officer prior to rejoining Boart Longyear. He was appointed the Company's Chief Operating Officer in September 2016.