The Directors of Hughes Drilling Limited announced that Mr. Barry O'Connor has been appointed to the board of Hughes. Mr. O'Connor has in excess of 40 years experience in successfully promoting and marketing of premium mining, drilling and comparable products in the Australian market. From the mid 1980's he headed the rotating equipment division of BTR Nylex.

He subsequently was Australian Area Manager for and a director of Sullair Pty Ltd. He headed Sullair's construction and mining divisions until 2007. The company also announced the retirement of Mr. Craig Burton as a Director of Hughes.