Metro Mining reveals changes to the board with two new appointments

Metro Mining Ltd (ASX:MMI) (FRA:6ME) has made several changes to its board, including appointing Douglas Ritchie and Simon Wensley as non-executive directors.  This will come into effect on May 25, following the conclusion of the company’s annual general meeting (AGM).  After the AGM, the chairman of the board Stephen Everett will step down and Ritchie will be appointed to the position.  Everett will remain on the board as a non-executive director.  These appointments will significantly enhance the experience and skill set available to Metro in successfully managing and growing its bauxite business.  Next growth phase   Chairman Stephen Everett said: “After nine years as chairman of Metro Mining, I feel the timing is right to transition over the role of chair to Doug as the company embarks upon its next growth phase with the Stage 2 expansion.   “Doug and Simon, both have deep experience in not only the bauxite industry but also in the Chinese resources industry and in building relationships with consumers of Australian raw materials.   “These are skills which will be critical to the long-term success of Metro.   “I look forward to working with both individuals moving forward.”  Experienced resource executives  Ritchie and Wensley are highly respected and experienced executives in the resources sector with significant public company and management experience.   Both have spent the majority of their professional careers in various divisions of Rio Tinto Ltd and have been intimately involved in the aluminium value chain.  Ritchie has more than 40 years’ experience in the resources industry and worked for Rio Tinto from 1986 to 2013 and was a member of Rio Tinto’s executive committee and the group executive responsible for China.  He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a fellow of the Australian Institute of company directors and formerly a director of the Queensland Resources Council.  Wensley has more than 30 years’ experience in the metals and mining business.   He spent five years at Kobe Steel Ltd in Japan, 20 years with Rio Tinto, culminating in global senior management roles and is currently co-founder and director of MineVeritas Pty. Ltd., an advisor to investors in the resource industry.