Highfield Resources Ltd (ASX:HFR) has found a new chairman – Paul Harris – following a global search to replace current chair Richard Crookes.
Harris will be appointed independent non-executive director and chairman of the board with effect from March 25, 2022.
Crookes is stepping down from the board on March 24, 2022, to focus on his new business interest and role as managing partner of Lionhead Resources.
Well known in investment community
Harris has more than 25 years’ experience in financial markets and investment banking, including roles with Citibank, Bankers Trust and Merrill Lynch advising mining organisations on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets.
He is well known by the Australian investment community and was also managing director – head of metals and mining at Citi for several years.
Most recently, Harris has been working with mining company boards as a non-executive director as well as providing advisory services on strategy and finance.
He is currently the non-executive chairman of ASX-listed Aeon Metals Ltd (ASX:AML) and a non-executive director of ASX-listed Aurelia Metals Ltd (ASX:AMI).
Harris has a Master of Engineering (Mining) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Make great contribution
Highfield CEO Ignacio Salazar said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul at this key moment for the company.
“I am convinced that Paul, as board chair, and with his significant experience with respect to debt and equity capital markets and his extensive networks in the Australian mining financing sector, will make a great contribution towards the delivery of the company’s flagship Muga mine.”
Outgoing chair Crookes added: “I am delighted to hand over the chair of Highfield Resources to Paul Harris and I am confident that Paul will do an excellent job and successfully lead the company through the financing and construction of the Muga Project and onto production.”
Advance Muga Project
The incoming chair said: “Potash is a key product for the world’s future and it is an honour to follow Richard and to take on this role with Highfield to deliver a new Western European and geopolitically secure source of this increasingly important resource.
“I would like to thank Richard on behalf of all shareholders for his outstanding leadership and significant contribution to the company.
“I look forward to working with my fellow directors and with our CEO, Ignacio Salazar, and his team as we advance the Muga Project into construction and ultimately potash production for the benefit of all stakeholders.”