Suvo Strategic Minerals Ltd (ASX:SUV) has started an executive and board transition with several key appointments to support the company's expansion plans.
This follows the recent $7.5 million capital raise, with funding to go towards accelerating the expansion of its Pittong hydrous kaolin plant in Victoria.
As part of this transition, Henk Ludik and Oliver Barnes have been appointed non-executive directors, with Ludik acting as interim non-executive chairman.
Further, Marty Helean has been appointed chief operating officer and will continue to oversee the expansion of the Pittong plant while the company completes its search for a chief executive officer.
Suvo also announces that Robert Martin has resigned as executive chairman.
“Exciting time for Suvo”
Suvo non-executive director Dr Ian Wilson said: “On behalf of the board and everyone at Suvo, I thank Rob for his dedication to the company since its listing in August 2020.
“The company has been patiently laying the foundations for long-term growth and we are delighted to welcome new expertise with operational experience as the business expands its Pittong plant.
“This is an exciting time for Suvo and we can’t wait to provide an update to our shareholders in due course.”
With the company being well funded to complete its Pittong expansion, Martin saw this as the opportune time to step down as SUV enters a new exciting phase of growth.
Search for CEO to drive Suvo forward
Dr Wilson added: “The board has already commenced and will oversee the recruitment process to ensure that Suvo appoints a high calibre mining CEO to drive the company strategically moving forward.
“It is important to the board that any applicant has a strong track record of delivering scale, innovation and enhanced value for stakeholders.
“Suvo is in a very important transitional phase and the company is committed to attracting the best possible talent as it builds out its management team.”
Interim chair
Interim chair Ludik is a mining engineer with a career spanning more than 20 years in mining with expertise in engineering, feasibility, mine optimisation, ESG and corporate finance.
He has worked for a number of investment banks with in excess of $10 billion in mining transactions since 2006 and holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering, MSc in Oil and Gas Engineering and an MBA.
Non-exec director
Barnes has more than 20 years’ experience in natural resources and asset development with expertise in carbon, rural development, ESG and clean technology commercialisation.
He was previously the managing director of an ASX-listed land and water developer and held a senior role with an ASX-listed phosphate technology company.
He holds a BSc in Agricultural Business Management.
COO
Helean has more than 25 years’ experience in senior management and executive roles across mining, exploration, manufacturing and construction industries.
He was previously director of operations for ASX-listed Greenland Minerals Ltd (ASX:GGG, OTC:GDLNF) and chief operating officer of Meneghello Industries.