Appointments February 16, 2024

The Australian Institute of Company Directors has selected Maree Arnason to become the company’s Western Australia division director effective March 20. Ms Arnason is an experienced non-executive director with expertise in the resources and not-for-profit sectors. Ms Arnason is the director of Energy Access Services, a company she co-founded 16 years ago, and additionally serves on the boards of Gold Road Resources and Juniper. She would take over as AICD WA division director following the retirement of Derek La Ferla.

West Perth-based Aurum Resources has appointed Yaya Ouattara as its new exploration manager in Côte d’Ivoire, as the company's planned exploration activities begin to intensify. The appointment comes after the West Perth-based goldminer announced earlier this month it had raised $7m to accelerate operations at its newly acquired Boundiali gold project. Aurum also hired Caigen Wang as managing director at the end of January.

Former federal minister Ben Morton has added another board role to his portfolio, joining the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in the Nedlands-based QEII Medical Centre. Mr Morton was the federal member for Tangney from 2016 until 2022 and was assistant minister to the prime minister and cabinet in the Morrison government. After politics, Mr Morton joined the Insurance Commission of WA board. He was appointed to the Southern Ports Authority board for a two-year term in January 2023.

Arafura Rare Earths has appointed Darryl Cuzzubbo as the company's managing director and chief executive officer. Mr Cuzzubbo has replaced Gavin Lockyer, who will leave the Perth-based miner following a brief handover period. Mr Cuzzubbo has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, including 24 years at BHP and five years at Orica.

The Western Force has appointed Niamh O'Connor as chief executive officer. Born in Ireland, Ms O'Connor moved to Western Australia in 2011 and has worked in a variety of construction and rugby-based roles. Prior to the announcement, she had been working as the club's CEO on an interim basis for four months.

Private equity firm Resource Capital Funds has hired Anna Shave to co-lead an innovation fund focused on mining companies and energy transition. Ms Shave will serve as RCF’s private equity innovation investment team managing director and director for investor relations in the Asia Pacific region. Ms Shave is non-executive director at Foundation for the WA Museum, INX Software, and Australian Investment Council.

Former WA Nationals leader Brendon Grylls has joined iron ore minnow Red Hawk Mining to lead engagement with Pilbara stakeholders as it develops a new mine. The Royalties for Regions and Pilbara Cities architect will head up Red Hawk’s newly-formed Pilbara advisory committee which will engage with native title groups and project partners, advocate to communities and local leaders, and advise the board.

Subiaco-based Singular Health has appointed Martina Mariano as chief commercial officer. Ms Mariano joined Singular in April 2021, taking up the role of project officer, responsible for content, commercialisation, deployment, and marketing software for medical education. Ms Mariano was promoted to global partnerships manager in mid-2022 before her new appointment as chief commercial officer.