West Perth-based mineral explorer Breakaway Resources Ltd has appointed Freehills senior partner John Atkins as non-executive chairman of the company, following the acquisition of nickel tenements from LionOre Mining International Ltd.
West Perth-based mineral explorer Breakaway Resources Ltd has appointed Freehills senior partner John Atkins as non-executive chairman of the company, following the acquisition of a series of nickel tenements from LionOre Mining International Ltd.
The full text of a company announcement is pasted below
Diversified base metal company Breakaway Resources Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of senior Perth-based commercial lawyer, Mr John Atkins, as the Company's non-executive Chairman. Mr Atkins will take up the position with effect from completion of Breakaway's Annual General Meeting on 24 November, with the current Chairman, Mr Jon Young, remaining on the Board as a non‑executive Director.
The appointment of Mr Atkins completes a board restructure overseen by Mr Young, designed to expand the Board's skill base and provide a greater level of independence in line with current corporate governance guidelines and ASX Best Practice Recommendations.
Mr Atkins is one of Perth's most experienced corporate lawyers, with a career spanning more than 25 years and encompassing experience with numerous sophisticated financing and corporate transactions.
He is currently a senior partner with national law firm Freehills and head of the firm's Perth office. His distinguished career with Freehills has seen him hold several senior roles within the firm and, before 1997, with Perth-based law firm Parker & Parker which merged with Freehills that year. Mr Atkins holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Western Australia and a Masters of Law from London University. He is currently a director of Alinta Infrastructure Holdings, Lions Eye Institute Ltd, Committee for Perth Ltd and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.
"We are delighted to have secured someone of John's calibre and experience to head the expanded Breakaway Board as Chairman," Mr Young said. "He brings substantial corporate and business experience, extensive knowledge of the legal, corporate and financial aspects of listed companies and the ability to make a strong strategic contribution to the Company. This will complement the strong technical input provided by recently appointed director Jeff Gresham and Managing Director Peter Buck."
Mr Young also stated "It has been a pleasure to have chaired the Company since the inception of Breakaway in 2003. However, it is now a great opportunity as we embark on this exciting growth phase to expand our Board's skill base while ensuring appropriate independent board composition."
The Company's Managing Director Mr Peter Buck said "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Jon Young for his exceptional contribution to Breakaway as Chairman since 2003." Mr Buck added "Jon has been instrumental in the restructuring of the Company over the past three years which has seen it repositioned as a leading mid-tier Australian resources company. He will continue to be closely involved and we look forward to his ongoing contribution as a non-executive Director."
