Professor Yves Potvin is a professor of mining geomechanics at the University of Western Australia. He was director of the Australian Centre for Geomechanics at UWA for over 18 years, and will continue to work closely with the mining industry to develop new research projects and participate on geotechnical review boards. Prof Potvin will also proceed with his mandate to encourage and mentor younger geotechnical professionals with their research and career aspirations.