Akita announces management change

CALGARY, May 15 - AKITA Drilling Ltd. today announced the retirement of John Hlavka as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Board of Directors has appointed its President and Chief Operating Officer, Karl Ruud, to the new role of President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Hlavka will continue to serve on the Board of Directors. These actions are effective June 30, 2009.

Mr. Hlavka, a veteran of the Canadian drilling industry for over six decades, has had a distinguished career with AKITA since its inception.

Mr. Ruud has extensive drilling experience in Canada and internationally and has also been with AKITA since the formation of the Company. Mr. Ruud has a broad range of experience in all aspects of AKITA's business.

AKITA is an Alberta corporation engaged in the contract drilling business in Western Canada and the North and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AKT.

For further information please contact Murray Roth, Vice President of Finance,
(403)292-7950. Web site: http://www.akita-drilling.com