US Branch Ensign United States Drilling Inc · Bakersfield, California
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About the US Branch

Ensign United States Drilling Inc is the United States operating branch of Ensign Energy Services Inc. — one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced oilfield-service providers.

Our Story

A Global Enterprise, Operating Close to Home

Established in 1987, Ensign has grown into a global leader in oilfield services. We are defined by inspired thinking and a culture of achievement — delivering a superior customer experience and trusted, reliable performance.

Ensign entered the United States in 1994, and today our U.S. branch delivers contract drilling, directional drilling, underbalanced and managed-pressure drilling, rental equipment and well servicing across the California and Rocky Mountain regions from our base in Bakersfield, California.

Our Capabilities
Ensign Automated Drill RigADR® · Automated Drill Rig

Our History

Three Decades of Firsts

1987

Ensign is incorporated in Alberta, Canada, soon operating four drilling rigs and two well-service rigs.

1994US market entry

Ensign enters the U.S. oilfield-services market by acquiring a 19-rig company in the Rocky Mountain region — the origin of our United States branch.

1995

Ensign launches its proprietary Automated Drill Rig (ADR®).

1996

Ensign holds the second-largest drilling-rig fleet in the Rocky Mountain region and continues to expand into major U.S. plays.

2011

Ensign expands services into the important oil and natural-gas resource areas of the southern U.S.

2014

Ensign releases the next generation of walking rigs — the ADR® 1500S.

2015Industry first

Ensign releases the Automated Service Rig (ASR™) 150.

2018

Ensign expands its footprint by acquiring Trinidad Drilling Ltd.

Now

Ensign continues to deliver the best service quality and performance available in the market — in the U.S. and worldwide.

Governance

Board of Directors

Ensign Energy Services Inc.'s Board provides oversight and stewardship for the entire enterprise, including our United States branch.

N. Murray Edwards

N. Murray Edwards

Chair of the Board

A director since 1989, Mr. Edwards has chaired the Corporation's executive management committee throughout his tenure. An investor and corporate director, he is Chairman of Canadian Natural Resources Limited and of Magellan Aerospace Corporation.

Robert H. Geddes

Robert H. Geddes

Director · President & COO

With Ensign since 1991 and a director since 2007, Mr. Geddes serves as President & Chief Operating Officer. He is a past Chairman of the CAODC and the IADC and holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta.

Len O. Kangas

Len O. Kangas

Director

A director since 1990, Mr. Kangas chairs the Corporate Governance, Nominations and Risk Committee and sits on the Health, Safety and Environment Committee. He brings more than 40 years of oilfield-services experience.

Barth E. Whitham

Barth E. Whitham

Director

A director since 2007 and a member of the Audit and HSE committees. He is President & CEO of Denver-based Enduring Resources, LLC, with U.S. onshore exploration and production operations, and was elected Chairman of Intrepid Potash Inc.'s Board in 2024.

Gary W. Casswell

Gary W. Casswell

Director

Joined the Board in 2017 with 35+ years as a senior executive in onshore and offshore drilling, including extensive experience in the United States land-drilling market.

Darlene J. Haslam

Darlene J. Haslam

Director

Joined the Board in 2022. A Chartered Accountant and CPA holding the ICD.D designation, she chairs the Board of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation.

Karl A. Ruud

Karl A. Ruud

Director

Joined the Board in 2023. Former President & CEO and director of Akita Drilling Ltd. and a two-time Chairman of the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC).

Donna J. Carson

Donna J. Carson

Director

Joined the Board in 2023. A CPA, CGA, CIRP and LIT with 30+ years in accounting and strategic planning, she is a Senior Vice-President at MNP Ltd.

Our People

Leadership Team

Experienced leaders directing operations across the United States and around the world.

Robert H. Geddes

Robert H. Geddes

President & Chief Operating Officer

With Ensign since 1991, Mr. Geddes has served as President & COO since 2007, guiding operations across Canada, the United States and internationally.

Nial Shepherd

Nial Shepherd

US Operations Senior Vice President, United States Drilling Operations

Mr. Shepherd leads Ensign's U.S. drilling operations. He joined in 2019 following the Trinidad Drilling acquisition and holds a BEng from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with experience across Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.

Trevor Russell

Trevor Russell

Chief Financial Officer

Appointed Chief Financial Officer in May 2026, Mr. Russell leads the Corporation's global finance organization and capital stewardship.

Patrick Kearley

Patrick Kearley

Vice President, Health, Safety & Environment

Mr. Kearley leads Ensign's global HSE and training programs, anchoring the Drive to Zero® culture across every operating region.

Eldon Culshaw

Eldon Culshaw

Senior Vice President, Canadian Operations

Mr. Culshaw leads Canadian operations. He joined Ensign in 2018, holds a B.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech and is a member of APEGA.

Ensign crew on a drilling rigOur Crews

Corporate Responsibility

Rooted in Our Communities

While we provide oilfield services to meet the world's growing energy demands, we understand our role begins within the communities we operate in.

Our unwavering commitment to operating safely, responsibly and ethically has made us an industry leader in corporate social responsibility.

Corporate Governance

Transparent & Accountable

Operating in a transparent and ethical manner is key to the longevity of our business and to delivering consistent, long-term value to our shareholders. The Board maintains four committees, each comprised of independent directors.

Committee

Audit

Financial reporting, controls and audit oversight.

Committee

Health, Safety & Environment

HSE performance and the Drive to Zero® culture.

Committee

Human Resources & Compensation

Executive compensation and talent stewardship.

Committee

Governance, Nominations & Risk

Board composition, governance practices and risk.

Code of ConductIADC MemberCalifornia Independent Petroleum Assn.Western States Petroleum Assn.