Management Team

Karl A. Ruud

President and Chief Executive Officer

Years of Service:  44

Mr. Ruud was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of AKITA in July 2009 and has been a senior officer since the company’s formation. Mr. Ruud has extensive drilling knowledge, both in Canada and internationally, and has a broad range of experience across all aspects of AKITA’s business. Mr. Ruud is responsible for all phases of performance and has been instrumental in the development and execution of the company’s pad rig strategy.

Darcy Reynolds

Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Years of Service:  9

Mr. Reynolds was appointed Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer in March 2017, and previously served as Vice President, Finance from March 2016 to February 2017. Mr. Reynolds has been with AKITA since January 2011. Prior to joining AKITA, Mr. Reynolds worked at a big 4 accounting firm where he obtained his Chartered Accountant designation. He is responsible for the Company’s finance, accounting, taxation and treasury functions. Mr. Reynolds is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta.

Raymond T. Coleman

President, USA Division

Years of service: 35

Mr. Coleman was appointed President, USA Division in May 2020 and previously served as Vice President – U.S Division from December 2015 to April 2020, Vice President, Operations from May 2010 to November 2015 and Operations Manager from October 2006 to April 2010. Mr. Coleman is responsible for Marketing, Operations and Engineering including the day-to-day operating performance and maintenance programs for the Company’s rig fleet.

Colin A. Dease

Vice President, Canadian Operations

Years of service: 9

In November of 2019, Mr. Dease was appointed Vice President, Canadian Operations. Prior to his operational appointment, Mr. Dease served as Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel. An experienced lawyer by profession, Mr. Dease is a Director of the CAODC (Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors) and holds the Governance Fellows Designation from NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors).

Craig Kushner

Director Human Resources

Years of service: 35

Mr. Kushner was appointed to Director of Human Resources in 2011, having previously served in several other roles throughout AKITA and its predecessor company.  Mr. Kushner has broad drilling and administrative experience and is currently responsible for the company’s human resources, safety, training and environmental functions.