Gunnison Copper Corp (TSX:GCU, OTCQB:GCUMF, FRA:3XS0) has announced that Craig Hallworth will succeed Stephen Twyerould as president and CEO as part of a planned leadership transition, alongside a series of executive and technical appointments aimed at advancing the company’s flagship Gunnison Copper Project.
Hallworth, who is currently serving as the company’s senior vice president and chief financial officer, will officially assume the CEO role on May 15.
Twyerould, who has led the company since 2010, will remain on Gunnison’s board of directors following the transition.
“This promotion reflects the Board's confidence in Craig's leadership as the company enters its next phase,” Gunnison Copper chairman Fred DuVal said in a statement.
“With a strengthened leadership and technical team in place, we believe the company is well positioned to advance its flagship project through PFS and permitting with discipline and clarity.”
Hallworth previously led efforts to strengthen Gunnison’s balance sheet, eliminate secured debt, expand its institutional shareholder base, and reposition the business around its flagship copper asset, according to the company.
The Gunnison Copper Project is targeting completion of a pre-feasibility study in the second quarter of 2028, alongside permit amendments and additional metallurgical and resource development work.
“We have made meaningful progress over the past year and a half, gaining significant momentum in the market, and increasing confidence in our strategy and ability to execute as Gunnison Copper,” Hallworth said.
“With an enhanced leadership and technical team, including key internal promotions in place, we are focused on delivering our Pre-Feasibility Study and permit amendments.”
Twyerould said he was “incredibly proud” of the company’s progress and expressed confidence in the incoming leadership team.
“I would like to thank the Board, our shareholders, stakeholders and employees for their support and persistence over the years,” Twyerould said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and confident the leadership of the Company is in good hands with Craig Hallworth as CEO.”
As part of the transition, Fabio Rocha will become interim chief financial officer while Gunnison conducts a search for a permanent CFO.
The company also announced several leadership promotions and additions, including Matt Bingham as senior vice president of permitting and external affairs, Olen Aasen as general counsel and corporate secretary, and Melissa Mackie as vice president of investor relations and communications.
Gunnison further expanded its technical team with the appointments of Ron Nunley as chief metallurgist and Perseo Anaya as chief geologist.
Additionally, the company said Brian Penney, CEO of Tacora Resources and former CEO of Baffinland Iron Mines, will be nominated to join its board of directors at the annual general meeting scheduled for June 25.
Shares of Gunnison Copper were up around 3.7% on Monday morning.