Appointments January 12, 2024

Kalamazoo Resources has appointed exploration manager Luke Mortimer as chief executive officer, set to continue supporting the growth of the company’s gold exploration and project acquisition interests in both Western Australia and Victoria. Dr Mortimer has worked at Kalamazoo since January 2019 and has been an integral leader of its lithium operations. He previously worked as Kali Metals exploration manager for more than one year and before this, he was principal exploration geologist at Melbourne-based miner MMG for more than seven years. Dr Mortimer is expected to work alongside outgoing Kalamazoo CEO and co-founder Luke Reinehr, who will stay on as the company's executive chairman, along with holding a non-executive chairman role at Kali Metals.

Chartered accountant Paul Hughes has been appointed as Pioneer Lithium’s new chief financial officer. Mr Hughes previously worked at Pilbara Minerals for more than four years, serving in several roles across corporate planning, investment analysis, and commercial analytics. Mr Hughes also worked a five-year stint at construction company Downer Group. Shortly after Mr Hughes’ appointment to Pioneer Lithium, managing director Clinton Booth announced his resignation from the company. Mr Booth was appointed as chief executive in August last year before the role of managing director was added to his responsibilities in October. He resigned effective immediately, citing the need to focus on other commitments.

Lithium explorer Wildcat Resources revealed Alex Hewlett had resigned as a non-executive director on January 5, effective immediately. Mr Hewlett has stepped down after more than four years in the role, having joined the West Perth-based company in September 2019. The announcement followed Wildcat Resources’ decision to promote Ajanth Saverimutto from non-executive director to managing director, along with Samuel Ekins’s move from managing director to technical director late last year.

City of Wanneroo has welcomed experienced local government executive Bill Parker as its new chief executive. Mr Parker previously worked as City of Nedlands chief executive for more than two years and before this, he was City of Perth general manager of corporate services for nearly two years. Mr Parker also has experience working as the Shire of Denmark chief executive for three years.

Gold miner Gold Fields Limited has promoted Ashleigh Shelton to the role of environment and community lead. She is set to work on-site at Gold Fields’ Granny Smith gold mine located near the town of Laverton in the Goldfields region. Ms Shelton has worked at Gold Fields for more than five years following a stint of nearly four years as Northern Star Resources environmental and social responsibility advisor.

Optus has promoted Cat Sulicich to the position of people and culture manager. Sydney-based Ms Sulicich was hired at Optus in April 2020 and had been serving as people and culture consultant prior to her recent promotion. Before joining Optus, Ms Sulicich worked for local government in New South Wales for more than six years.