Marnie Finlayson to join Northern Star

Rio Tinto’s managing director of battery minerals, Marnie Finlayson, will join the board of Northern Star Resources as an independent non-executive director in October. 

Ms Finlayson has held several senior operational and executive roles with Rio Tinto since 2008, including managing director of borates and lithium, general manager of Jadar operations and general manager of Dampier Salt.

She has been in her current role as Rio’s managing director of battery minerals since 2021.

“I am excited about joining Northern Star at an important time in the company’s growth trajectory and look forward to working with the board and the broader team to further enhance Northern Star’s reputation as a responsible, outcomes-focused gold producer,” Ms Finlayson said.

Her appointment brings the number of directors on the board of Northern Star to eight, including seven non-executives.

Chairman Michael Chaney said he was delighted that Ms Finlayson had accepted an invitation to join the board.

“Marnie’s knowledge as a minerals engineer with international experience in the management of significant projects will be particularly valuable as the company advances delivery of our five-year growth plan, which is structured to generate superior returns from our world-class assets,” he said.

Managing director Stuart Tonkin echoed the sentiment.

“The operational and executive experience she brings will add considerable value to Northern Star.”

Ms Finlayson’s appointment will be effective from October 1.

Her younger brother is Genesis Minerals managing director Raleigh Finlayson, who took over as managing director of Northern Star after it merged with Saracen Minerals last year.

He stepped away from the company in September 2021.

Northern Star shares were up 3.75 per cent to trade at $8.02.