Northern Star Resources Limited (ASX: NST) has announced the retirement of non-executive director John Richards, effective 31 July 2024.
Mr Richards, who joined the board on 12 February 2021 following implementation of the scheme of arrangement between Saracen Mineral Holdings and Northern Star, is retiring to focus on his other board positions as chairman of Sandfire Resources (ASX: SFR) and lead independent director at Sheffield Resources (ASX: SFX).
As a non-executive director at Saracen, Mr Richards played a key role in guiding Saracen through its acquisition of a 50 per cent interest in the KCGM Operations and subsequently the merger with Northern Star.
Northern Star chairman Michael Chaney thanked Mr Richards for his significant contribution to the company.
“John’s knowledge of the gold sector and his broad commercial experience have been invaluable to the board’s deliberations,” Mr Chaney said.
Northern Star has also announced that investment banker and lawyer Michael Ashforth has been appointed an independent non-executive director, effective 1 July 2024.
Mr Ashforth has had a near-30 year career in law, investment banking and corporate advisory including as a partner of Freehills, a managing director with Gresham Partners, an executive director with Macquarie Capital and executive chairman of the private AMB Holdings. Until recently, he was a regional adviser with Goldman Sachs. He was a member of the Australian Takeovers Panel for nine years and is a director of the Wunan Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in Kununurra that works to empower and support Aboriginal people in the East Kimberley.
“Michael’s experience and strategic insights will be extremely valuable to Northern Star as we continue to advance our profitable growth strategy,” Mr Chaney said.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Ashforth said: “As Australia’s largest ASX-listed gold producer, Northern Star has an enviable portfolio of gold-producing assets and I look forward to helping it continue to provide superior returns to its shareholders.”
