Walker resigns from two boards

Well-known mining identity Jim Walker has stepped down from his board roles at ASX-listed companies Mader Group and MLG Oz. 

Mining services provider Mader Group founder Luke Mader will step into the role of executive chairman after Mr Walker announced his resignation. effective April 21. 

The company’s founding shareholder Mr Mader, who was an executive director, will step into the role of executive chairman.

Mr Mader, a former WesTrac apprentice of the year, founded the company in 2005. It listed on the ASX in 2019.

Outgoing non-executive chairman Mr Walker has more than 40 years’ experience in the resources sector, during which time he has been the managing director of WesTrac, held various roles at Australian caterpillar dealers, and served on numerous boards.

“Jim leaves Mader after presiding over a period of significant growth in shareholder value and I would like to sincerely thank him for his contributions to the company,” Mader chief executive Justin Nuich said.

“It was been a pleasure to work under his stewardship and I wish him all the best for the future.

“He leaves the company in a strong position, poised for future growth.”

Mr Walker also announced his resignation from MLG Oz today, after guiding the company through its debut on the ASX in 2021. 

"I have enjoyed working with the MLG team and helping them successfully transition into an ASX listed company as well as assisting navigate through what has been a very challenging and dynamic operating period," Mr Walker said.

"Now that the company is well established and structured to optimise the opportunities it has in front of it, the timing is right for myself to step aside knowing that the MLG team is clear in strategic plan and well equipped to capitalise on its position as an industry leading provider of integrated mining support services."

He still holds the position of non-executive chair at Austin Engineering, the State Training Board, and Coates Hire and as the chair of Diggers & Dealers and councillor for RAC.

In 2022, Mader Group was named Large Business of the Year at the Business News RISE Business Awards.

In the previous year, Mader was voted Employer of the Year at the RISE Awards.

On the ASX, Mader Group shares were down 5.84 per cent to $3.55 at 2:42PM AEDT.