Southern Gold Ltd (ASX:SAU) has appointed non-executive director Michael McNeilly as interim chair of the board amidst its strategic transition towards feeding the global transition to clean energy.
This appointment takes effect immediately, filling the vacuum left by the departure of Peter Bamford, who has indicated he will maintain his responsibilities as a non-executive director until the next annual general meeting (AGM).
McNeilly is also the CEO and director of Strata Investment Holdings, Southern Gold’s largest shareholder.
The decision to appoint McNeilly as interim chair comes as Southern Gold embarks on a rigorous process to identify a new permanent chair.
The selected individual will be entrusted with guiding the company's strategy to capitalise on the ongoing global transition to clean energy. This strategic path includes exploration for critical minerals and expanding upon its recently integrated batteries technology business.
Notable experience
McNeilly brings to the table a deep understanding of equity capital markets, amassed through his extensive experience in listed companies.
He also serves as a non-executive director of ASX-listed Cobre Limited, in addition to holding positions on several private company boards within the SRT group.
Bamford, a veteran board member with more than three decades of experience on both ASX-listed and private company boards, joined the SAU board in 2018.
His decision to retire was prompted by Southern Gold's diversification into critical minerals exploration and the acquisition of a battery development company. He plans to step down from the board at the AGM later this year.
The board thanks Bamford for his dedicated service, commending his stewardship during his five-year tenure as a non-executive director and, more recently, as chair of the board.