ioneer Ltd (ASX:INR, OTC:GSCCF) has strengthened its board skillset with the appointment of ASX veteran Stephen Gardiner as non-executive director of the company.
Gardiner brings to the board more than forty years of corporate finance experience at major international companies listed on the ASX, culminating in 17 years at Oil Search Ltd and including eight years as its chief financial officer.
Notably, he has particular strength in capital management and funding, both debt and equity, having raised billions of dollars, including via structured financings such as working on the landmark US$15 billion PNG LNG Project financing, the largest ever financing of its type at the time.
Gardiner will chair the audit and risk committee and be a member of the nomination and remuneration committee, roles vacated by Julian Babarczy on his retirement.
“Immediate benefit”
ioneer executive chairman James Calaway said: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen to the ioneer board.
“We look forward to him contributing to the board through his deep understanding of corporate finance and the capital markets.
“Stephen’s agreement to join the board will provide an immediate benefit to shareholders at a time when ioneer is focused on finalising debt agreements for the development of Rhyolite Ridge.”
Notable experience
While at Oil Search, Gardiner covered a range of executive responsibilities including corporate finance and control, treasury, tax, audit and assurance, risk management, investor relations and communications, ICT and sustainability.
He also served as group secretary for 10 years while performing his finance roles.
Prior to Oil Search, Gardiner also held senior corporate finance roles at major multinational companies including CSR LIMITED (ASX:CSR) and Pioneer International Limited, including being based in the US for a period.
Gardiner said: “I am excited to be joining a company with a mission to provide the materials necessary for the electrification of transportation in the US and to be involved in the transition to greener energy sources.
“I am looking forward to working with ioneer’s board and management in pursuing the development of Rhyolite Ridge and further growth opportunities for the benefit of all stakeholders.”