Trinidad Drilling Ltd. Announces Changes to its Management Team

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TSX SYMBOL:  TDG

CALGARY, Jan. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Trinidad Drilling Ltd. ("Trinidad" or the "Company") is pleased to announce changes to its management team. Lyle Whitmarsh, previously Trinidad's President and Chief Executive Officer will be focusing more specifically on the strategic direction and management of the Company and moving forward will be the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Brent Conway, previously Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer has been promoted to the role of President; and Lesley Bolster, previously Vice President Finance and Treasurer has been promoted to Trinidad's Chief Financial Officer.

"Our management team at Trinidad has a broad and complementary level of expertise with many years of experience in the drilling industry, including both in operations and in corporate and financial matters. Promoting high performers within Trinidad allows us to reward excellence while also retaining knowledge and valued skills within the Company," said Michael Heier, Trinidad's Chairman of the Board. "I look forward to the continued success of the Company with these changes to the management team and wish those members well in their new roles."

In addition, Trinidad has made other changes to its management team over the past few months. Adrian LaChance, previously Chief Operating Officer, US Drilling and Manufacturing has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, US and International Drilling; Jason Clemett, previously Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing has been promoted to Trinidad's Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Operations; Darcy Reinboldt, previously Vice President, Canadian Operational Support has been promoted to Executive Vice President, US Northern Operations and Lisa Ciulka, previously Director, Investor Relations has been promoted to Vice President, Investor Relations.

Trinidad is a growth-oriented corporation that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TDG. Trinidad's divisions operate in the drilling, coring and barge-drilling sectors of the North American oil and natural gas industry with operations in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Trinidad is focused on providing modern, reliable, expertly designed equipment operated by well-trained and experienced personnel. Trinidad's drilling fleet is one of the most adaptable, technologically advanced and competitive in the industry.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the shares in any jurisdiction.  The shares offered will not be and have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a United States person, absent registration, or an applicable exemption therefrom.