Helmerich & Payne Announces CEO Transition as John Lindsay Retires and Trey Adams Steps Into Top Leadership Role
Helmerich & Payne, Inc., one of the most recognized and longstanding names in the drilling solutions industry, has announced a significant leadership transition that will shape the company’s next era of strategic growth and operational advancement. The company’s Board of Directors revealed that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Lindsay will retire from his roles as both CEO and a member of the Board following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled for March 4, 2026. This transition marks the conclusion of more than a decade of influential leadership under Lindsay, whose tenure guided the company through some of the most consequential moments in its modern history.
To ensure continuity and maintain the company’s established momentum, the Board has appointed Raymond John “Trey” Adams—currently serving as President—to assume the position of CEO immediately after the Annual Meeting. Adams has also been nominated to stand for election to the Board, further aligning the company’s governance structure with its future leadership plans. Importantly, Lindsay will remain engaged with the organization throughout 2026, serving as a senior advisor through December to support Adams and the executive team during the transition period.
Hans Helmerich, Chairman of the Board, highlighted the thoughtful and deliberate nature of the succession planning process that led to this decision. “We are pleased to announce Trey’s promotion to CEO. This is the next logical step in the company’s succession process that has been underway for several years,” Helmerich said. He emphasized that Adams is uniquely qualified to lead Helmerich & Payne (H&P) at this point in its journey. “Trey brings proven operational excellence, leadership skills, and a clear vision for innovation and growth,” he added. “He embodies the H&P Way and the future of our company.”
Adams, who has played a central role in shaping H&P’s strategic and operational direction in recent years, expressed gratitude for the Board’s confidence and admiration for Lindsay’s enduring impact. “I am grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me and honored to follow John’s leadership,” Adams stated. “John has successfully guided H&P through some of the most important chapters in our history, and his impact will be felt for years to come. Our focus remains the same: our people, safety, performance, technology and partnership with our customers. I am excited for what we will achieve together in the years ahead.”
Throughout his career at H&P, Adams has accumulated broad experience across the organization, contributing to advancements in both operational efficiency and the technological sophistication of its drilling services. His work has helped integrate cutting-edge drilling technologies with long-established engineering capabilities, generating significant value for customers navigating a rapidly evolving energy landscape. As he steps into the CEO role, Adams intends to maintain the company’s long-standing focus on operational excellence while reinforcing priorities such as safety, customer collaboration, disciplined growth strategies, and financial strength. His leadership philosophy underscores the importance of making prudent capital allocation decisions and pursuing strategic investments that further strengthen H&P’s competitive position globally.
As the company moves forward with this leadership transition, Chairman Helmerich also took the opportunity to recognize the remarkable achievements and enduring legacy of John Lindsay’s time as CEO. “John has been an exemplary leader for H&P,” Helmerich said. “He successfully guided the company through challenging cycles and major transitions. His integrity and steady leadership strengthened H&P and helped shape the culture that defines us today. We are grateful for his service and the lasting impact he has made.”
Lindsay’s tenure spans more than 12 years, during which he led the company through unprecedented industry turbulence, including multiple commodity price downturns and a global pandemic that tested the resilience of the energy sector. Despite these challenges, he steered the company with consistency, clarity, and a long-term perspective. Under his leadership, H&P not only preserved its market leadership but also expanded its influence within the global drilling sector.
One of the defining elements of Lindsay’s leadership was his role in transforming U.S. shale drilling. His commitment to innovation resulted in significant long-term investments in advanced rigs and digital technologies. Among these achievements, the evolution and adoption of the FlexRig stands out as a milestone moment. This rig design, widely regarded as a breakthrough in land drilling performance, helped reshape the operational standards of the entire industry and strengthened H&P’s reputation as the premier provider of high-performance drilling solutions.
Lindsay also made technology a central component of H&P’s business model. During his leadership, the company acquired five technology-focused companies that enhanced its automation capabilities, data-driven drilling solutions, and digital workflows. These investments positioned H&P as a forward-looking enterprise capable of delivering integrated, efficient, and safer drilling operations to customers worldwide. His emphasis on innovation not only improved customer outcomes but also reinforced H&P’s role as a leader in shaping the future of land drilling.
Equally significant was Lindsay’s focus on organizational culture. He championed “The H&P Way”—a set of values centered on integrity, teamwork, service, safety, and innovation. This cultural foundation has played a critical role in differentiating the company in the marketplace and building a resilient workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the modern energy landscape.
Reflecting on his years of service, Lindsay shared a message of pride and optimism: “It has been an honor to serve as CEO. I am proud of our people and confident in H&P’s future. Trey is ready for this role and the leadership team is strong. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition.”
As H&P prepares for this change, the company emphasizes that its long-term focus remains centered on operational excellence, innovation, safety, and the creation of sustained value for shareholders. With a proven leader like Adams stepping into the CEO role and Lindsay remaining involved as an advisor through 2026, the organization aims to maintain continuity while positioning itself for the next phase of strategic evolution.
