Valaris Limited, the Bermudian-based offshore drilling services company, has appointed Catherine J Hughes to its board of directors.

Ms Hughes will also serve on the board’s environmental, social and governance committee.

She has served as a non-executive director of Shell plc since 2017, including as chairwoman of the safety, environment and sustainability committee.

Ms Hughes was previously executive vice-president international at Nexen Inc from January 2012 until her retirement in April 2013, where she was responsible for all oil and gas activities including exploration, production, development and project activities outside Canada.

Elizabeth D Leykum, chairwoman of the board, said: “We are pleased to welcome Catherine to the Valaris board of directors. Her extensive industry experience gained from executive management positions held at both leading operators and oilfield service companies will further strengthen our board.”