Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors;
Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

Effective September 8, 2009, the board of directors of Petrohawk Energy Corporation (the "Company") appointed Richard K. Stoneburner to the office of President of the Company. Mr. Stoneburner also retains his current office and now holds the title of President and Chief Operating Officer. Floyd C. Wilson remains the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, and his duties and involvement remain unchanged.

Mr. Stoneburner, age 55, has served as Executive Vice President-Chief Operating Officer since September 13, 2007. He previously served as Executive Vice President-Exploration from August 1, 2005, until September 13, 2007, and as Vice President-Exploration from May 25, 2004 until August 1, 2005. Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by PHAWK, LLC from its formation in June 2003 until May 2004. Mr. Stoneburner joined 3TEC Energy Corporation in August 1999 and was its Vice President-Exploration from December 1999 until its merger with Plains Exploration & Production Company in June 2003. Mr. Stoneburner was employed by W/E Energy Company as District Geologist from 1998 to 1999. Prior to joining 3TEC, Mr. Stoneburner worked as a geologist for Texas Oil & Gas, The Reach Group, Weber Energy Corporation, Hugoton and, independently through his own company, Stoneburner Exploration, Inc. Mr. Stoneburner has over 31 years of experience in the energy business.

Mr. Stoneburner's employment continues to be governed by his employment agreement with the Company dated July 11, 2006, as amended in September 2007, and Mr. Stoneburner continues to participate in our 2004 Employee Incentive Plan. In conjunction with his promotion, Mr. Stoneburner received an award of 15,000 shares of our restricted common stock under our 2004 Employee Incentive Plan. This grant will vest in three equal annual installments.

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