The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) and NOV ReedHycalog named Larry Dickerson of Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. the 2009 Contractor of the Year during the IADC Director’s Meeting luncheon held at The Petroleum Club in Houston.?

Chevron Corp. has announced that Chevron Vice Chairman Peter J. Robertson will retire from the company and its board after more than 35 years of distinguished company service. Robertson will be succeeded by John S. Watson, currently executive vice president of strategy and development. The company also has named Charles A. James, currently vice president and general counsel, executive vice president.

GE Oil & Gas has appointed Shaun Kelly as the Canadian regional sales leader for PII Pipeline Solutions.

Knight Oil Tools has named Robert C. Veazey as its new chief financial officer.

Eric Schmitz has joined Gulftex Operating Inc. as vice president of land and will also serve as adviser to TBX Resources Inc. Ronald H. Abreu has agreed to serve as adviser to both Gulftex Operating Inc. and TBX Resources Inc.

Sensornet has appointed John Dick (right) vice president of Europe, Former Soviet Union, and Africa (EFA).

Apache Corp. has appointed three key executives. Roger B. Plank has been named president, John A. Crum as been named co-chief operating officer and president - North America, and Rodney J. Eichler has been named co-chief operating officer and president - International.