Parker Drilling Co. announced that Gary G. Rich, president and chief executive officer, has been elected as chairman of it's board of directors, effective immediately. The election was confirmed following the company's annual meeting of stockholders held last week in Houston, Texas.

Since joining Parker in 2012, Mr. Rich has been instrumental in strengthening the company's operational, financial and business performance and in developing additional pathways for growth, including the acquisition of International Tubular Services (iTS) in April of 2013.