Doyon, Limited is announcing a leadership transition at Doyon Drilling, Inc. Vern Johnson, who currently serves as Fairweather President and General Manager, will take on the additional role of President and General Manager at Doyon Drilling, Inc. (DDI), effective April 20.
With nearly three decades of oil and gas experience, including leadership roles at Fairweather and in complex onshore, Arctic, offshore, and remote drilling and completions operations, Vern Johnson brings extensive expertise and a proven track record of operational excellence. Prior to his role at Fairweather, he served as Vice President of Drilling and Completions at Santos, where he oversaw drilling and completions for the Pikka Development program in Alaska.
Since moving to Alaska in 2000, Johnson has held senior positions directing drilling and completions across major North Slope projects such as Kuparuk, Alpine, Beluga, Oooguruk, Nuna, and Pikka, as well as multiple exploration initiatives in the region. His experience also includes operational leadership for gas projects in Cook Inlet and international assignments in the Middle East.
Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Dalhousie University and is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
After a long tenure with DDI, Andrew Honea is no longer with the company. We thank Andrew for his contributions to DDI and the Doyon Family of Companies. He’s been an integral part of Doyon’s success, and we wish him well.
Importantly, as DDI continues to lead the Unified Command response to the 2026 Western North Slope Rig Move Incident, Doyon, Limited and DDI leaders will ensure continuity in response and recovery efforts to ensure a seamless transition.
“We are pleased to welcome Vern’s leadership and experience to the DDI team,” said Tanya Kaquatosh, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “His depth of experience in the drilling, oil, and gas operations will help guide DDI into its next chapter. We also extend our gratitude to Andrew Honea for his years of leadership and service.”
Additionally, Rick Fox, former Fairweather President and General Manager, will assist in the interim at Fairweather during this transition.
