Adrian Lachance President
Adrian Lachance is an accomplished oil and gas executive and entrepreneur with more than 26 years of C-suite leadership experience, with extensive expertise in business development, capital deployment, rig design, manufacturing, and strategic growth.
Adrian was an original owner of Bear Drilling from 1996 to 2006 and was the driving force behind building the original Bear Drilling business. Under his leadership, the company grew into a successful drilling operation before being sold to Trinidad Drilling in 2006.
Throughout his career, Adrian has founded, built, and successfully exited multiple companies, including Bear Drilling, Victory Rig & Equipment, Bear Training Centre, an Indigenous training school focused on rig and equipment training, and Drive Rental Corp., which was sold to Cahill Services.
Adrian currently serves as CEO of Bear Drilling, where he continues to bring an entrepreneurial approach to the development and growth of the company. He founded the current Bear Drilling with a vision to help transform the oil and gas industry by advancing the transition from mechanical to electric drilling systems and incorporating automation across a range of oilfield applications.
Prior to his current role, Adrian served as Chief Operating Officer of Trinidad Drilling, where he was responsible for rig design and manufacturing across a range of 1,000 HP to 3,600 HP drilling rigs. As part of the executive management team, he was instrumental in closing more than $750 million in drilling rig design and contract agreements with major international oil companies over a 10-year period.
Adrian brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial vision, hands-on operational experience, and extensive industry knowledge, with a proven track record of building companies, managing significant capital programs, and advancing innovative drilling technologies.
Mike Kerik General Manager
Mike Kerik is the General Manager of Bear Drilling, bringing more than 26 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Having progressed through all field positions during his career, Mike has a strong understanding of drilling operations from the rig floor through to senior leadership.
With over 16 years of management experience, he has successfully led crews, managed complex projects, controlled operational costs, and supported safe, efficient drilling programs. His background also includes owning and operating businesses, giving him valuable experience in strategic planning, financial management, project execution, and customer relations.
Mike’s combination of hands-on field knowledge and business leadership allows him to understand the realities crews face while maintaining a strong focus on safety, performance, cost control, and overall operational excellence. His practical leadership style and commitment to building strong teams continue to support Bear Drilling’s growth and reputation as a trusted drilling contractor.
Karrie Johnson BComm, CPA, CGA - CFO
Karrie Johnson brings 26 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, with extensive expertise across the service, rental, and manufacturing sectors. Throughout her career, she has held senior financial leadership roles with both Canadian and U.S.-based companies, developing a broad understanding of the financial and operational requirements of growing businesses.
For more than 20 years, Karrie has worked alongside Adrian, supporting his entrepreneurial vision and helping guide the financial and business development of various ventures. Her experience encompasses business start-ups, corporate structuring and transactions, capital and operational financing, policy and procedure development, and financial reporting.
As CFO, Karrie takes a hands-on approach to the business, providing support across all areas of the organization. Her broad operational and financial knowledge allows her to identify opportunities, solve challenges, and help ensure the company is positioned for sustainable growth and success. Known for being a versatile “jack of all trades,” Karrie is an integral part of the team and is always ready to step in wherever her expertise can add value.
Robin Bolle HR Manger / HSE Coordinator
Robin brings a diverse background in human resources, health and safety, business management, and administration to Bear Drilling. Her education through the University of Alberta includes Business Management, Human Resources, Occupational Health & Safety, and Project Management.
Working closely with management and field teams, Robin focuses on strengthening workplace safety, employee support, and the systems that help Bear Drilling continue to grow.