Horizon Gold appoints mining veteran Scott Williamson as CEO and Managing Director, signaling a strategic leadership shift to accelerate development of its Gum Creek Gold Project.
- Scott Williamson appointed CEO and Managing Director effective 2 February 2026
- Leigh Ryan steps down as Managing Director, transitions to General Manager – Exploration
- Peter Sullivan reverts to Non-executive Chairman role
- Williamson brings 20+ years of mining and corporate experience including leadership at Blackstone Minerals
- Performance rights linked to share price milestones and Gum Creek project development included in Williamson’s remuneration
Leadership Transition at Horizon Gold
Horizon Gold Limited (ASX, HRN) has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Scott Williamson as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective 2 February 2026. Williamson, a seasoned mining engineer with over two decades of experience spanning operations, corporate roles, and investor relations, is set to steer the company through the next critical phase of growth.
Replacing Leigh Ryan, who has served as Managing Director since December 2020, Williamson inherits a company poised to advance its flagship Gum Creek Gold Project. Ryan will remain with Horizon Gold, shifting focus to his passion for geology and exploration as General Manager – Exploration. This internal reshuffle aims to leverage Ryan’s expertise in resource expansion while entrusting Williamson with broader strategic leadership.
Williamson’s Proven Track Record
Williamson’s background is notable for its breadth and depth. Educated at the Western Australian School of Mines and Curtin University, he has held key roles across Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Most recently, he led Blackstone Minerals Limited as Managing Director, driving projects in Southeast Asia’s nickel sulphide district. His experience encompasses sustainable mining practices, stakeholder engagement, and advancing exploration and operational initiatives.
His appointment is accompanied by a remuneration package featuring a $300,000 salary plus statutory superannuation, alongside 3.5 million performance rights. These rights vest upon achieving specific share price milestones and the final investment decision for the Gum Creek project, aligning Williamson’s incentives with shareholder value creation and project advancement.
Strategic Focus on Gum Creek Gold Project
The Gum Creek Gold Project remains Horizon Gold’s cornerstone asset, boasting a substantial mineral resource estimate of approximately 2.3 million ounces of gold. The company is actively progressing a feasibility study, aiming to unlock the project’s full potential. With a 71% indicated resource portion, the project is positioned as a viable standalone mining operation with promising upside through resource expansion and underground mining options yet to be fully evaluated.
Leadership changes come at a pivotal moment as Horizon Gold seeks to transition from exploration to production. Chairman Peter Sullivan expressed confidence in Williamson’s ability to lead this transition, while also acknowledging Ryan’s continued contribution to resource growth. Sullivan himself will step back from executive duties to serve as Non-executive Chairman, reinforcing a governance structure focused on strategic oversight.
Looking Ahead
As Horizon Gold embarks on this new chapter, the market will be watching closely how Williamson’s leadership influences project milestones, share price performance, and investor confidence. The alignment of executive incentives with tangible project outcomes underscores the company’s commitment to delivering value. Meanwhile, Ryan’s concentrated role in exploration could yield further resource discoveries, potentially extending the mine life and enhancing project economics.
Bottom Line?
Horizon Gold’s leadership reshuffle sets the stage for a decisive push toward Gum Creek’s production phase, with fresh executive incentives closely tied to project success.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can Scott Williamson drive the Gum Creek project to production?
- What impact will Williamson’s performance rights have on Horizon Gold’s share price trajectory?
- Will Leigh Ryan’s focused exploration role lead to significant resource expansions?