Mincor Resources’ Managing Director and CEO, David Southam, has announced his resignation and confirmed his replacement, following what he described as a ‘logical time for a leadership transition’.
Mincor Resources is a miner of nickel, operating in the Kambalda district of Western Australia.
“It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Mincor through this exciting period of growth and consistent with my views of leadership transition,” Mr Southam said.
“I believe now is a logical time to pass the baton to someone with a slightly different skill set to drive operational excellence and pursue our pipeline of exciting organic growth opportunities.“
Following discussions between Mr Southam and the board, several high-quality candidates were shortlisted, and the decision was made to appoint former Rio Tinto executive, Gabrielle Iwanow, as his successor.
Mr Southam will step down as Managing Director on 12 August, with Ms Iwanow to commence with the Company in early November.
During this brief transition period, Mincor Chair, Brett Lambert, will act as Executive Chairman on an interim basis and will be supported by other non-executive directors and the Company’s strong incumbent senior leadership team.
Mr Southam has also agreed to provide strategic advice and input to the Company on a consultancy basis to ensure a smooth and seamless management transition.
Prior to joining OZ Minerals in September 2018, Ms Iwanow had a varied and highly successful 14-year career at Rio Tinto, including as General Manager of the Paraburdoo Iron Ore Operations, where she led 1,200 people focused on driving operational improvements, and as Mine Services Manager for the Brockman Operations.
From 2012-15, she was Business Executive, Office of the Chief Executive, a role in which she played a leading hand in Rio Tinto’s Global Transformation Program, reporting directly to the CEO.
Other previous roles within Rio Tinto included as Manager, Business Development (International), Principal Adviser, Strategic Projects and Principal Adviser, Corporate Affairs.
“I am pleased to be joining the Mincor team as the company positions itself as a key partner in the world’s decarbonisation story,” Ms Iwanow said.
“David and the team have done a wonderful job to re-establish Mincor’s Kambalda Nickel Operations and I look forward to working together to deliver strong operational performance and the company’s next phase of growth.”
Mincor Chairman, Brett Lambert, acknowledged the contributions and successes of Mr Southam and extended his welcome to Ms Iwanow.
“After more than 25 years in frontline executive positions with large ASX-listed companies, David has made the understandable decision that he would like to step down as Managing Director and be in a position to spend more time with family, travel and personal interests,” Mr Lambert said.
“While we are very sorry to see David go, we are absolutely delighted to have been able to attract an exceptionally talented and high-calibre senior mining executive in Gabrielle Iwanow to join the Company as David’s successor in the role of Managing Director and CEO.
“Gabrielle was a standout applicant for the CEO position, and I thank my fellow Board members for taking the appropriate time and diligence to help us make this significant appointment.
“We believe Gabrielle’s experience in driving operational excellence and safety, combined with her global perspective as a thought leader driving change and success in the mining and metals sector are perfectly matched with Mincor’s needs at this stage of its development.
“With production ramping up and the new Mineral Resource just announced at LN04a, I am confident that Gabrielle is the right person to help us capitalise on the platform created.”
