Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN) has reshuffled its highest-ranking executive position in a tactical move to deliver on medium to long-term business plans by sharpening the marketing focus of products from the flagship Great White Kaolin Project in South Australia.
To that end, the company has transitioned its current managing director James Marsh, who has deep knowledge of the halloysite-kaolin market, to executive director of Sales and Marketing, and appointed Robert (Bob) Katsiouleris as managing director and chief executive officer.
Both changes are expected to occur in April this year.
Strengthening leadership
Chair of the Board of Directors Mick Wilkes said: “We are very pleased to secure the services of such a high-calibre executive as Bob Katsiouleris.
"Together with James’ exceptional knowledge of the halloysite-kaolin market, I firmly believe these changes will enhance executive focus, expand our capabilities and turbo-charge the development of the Great White Project through to production and beyond.
“The board continues to believe James has the strategic vision, drive and international contacts to enable Andromeda to become a globally significant supplier of an expanding range of halloysite-kaolin products.
“Combined with Bob’s extensive operational expertise and commercial acumen, Andromeda is well-positioned to execute its strategic plans and take advantage of the significant growth opportunities before it.
“I welcome Bob to the Andromeda board and we are very pleased that James has made the commitment to remain as an executive on the board and help deliver our long-term growth potential.”
Timely move
Marsh added: “I am confident that being fully focused on marketing our high-quality halloysite-kaolin products to global customers, will lead to the securing of further offtake agreements and the development of new market and product opportunities, which will in turn support future expansion.
“With Andromeda moving rapidly towards a final investment decision, I believe now is the right time to focus our marketing efforts and to hand over to a new managing director, to drive the operational performance of the company.
“I am delighted that Bob Katsiouleris has accepted the role and I look forward to working closely with him to effectively execute on Andromeda’s strategic goals.”
Vast experience
Katsiouleris is a Greek Canadian citizen who has extensive experience as an executive leading numerous global mineral businesses.
Armed with a Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University and an MBA from Pepperdine University, Katsiouleris spent 25 years in operations and commercial in industrial minerals and base metals, with an emphasis on improving profitability from mine to market.
Early in his career, he worked at leading international industrial minerals company World Minerals (now Imerys), in charge of building processing plants in China and Chile, and eventually managing all of its North American operations.
He then pivoted to a commercial, sales and marketing focus, spending almost 10 years as an executive with Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) including five years in the industrial minerals division, before moving to Europe in senior commercial executive roles with Nyrstar, Vale and Rusal.
“I am thrilled to be joining Andromeda, with its unique market positioning, high-quality halloysite-kaolin resources and excellent future growth opportunities. I look forward to working with James and the board to progress the Great White Project into production and grow the business,” Katsiouleris said.
Andromeda will hold a briefing at 12.00pm AEDT today, hosted by Wilkes, Marsh and Katsiouleris.
Register here for the conference call.