Manhattan Gold Limited has reshaped its board and management team following the full acquisition of the Hook Lake Project, signalling a strategic pivot towards advancing this key asset.
- Gavin Rezos appointed Non-Executive Chairman
- Danielle Kelly joins as Non-Executive Director with gold exploration expertise
- CEO Kell Nielsen retires from executive role but remains on board
- Former Chairman Marcello Cardaci retires after years of service
- Experienced geological team managing Hook Lake exploration in Canada
Strategic Board Changes Post-Acquisition
Manhattan Gold Limited (ASX – MHC) has announced a significant reshuffle of its board and management following its 100% acquisition of the Hook Lake Project in July 2025. The changes reflect a sharpened focus on the Hook Lake asset and the company’s commitment to robust governance as it advances its exploration ambitions.
At the helm of this transition is Gavin Rezos, who has been elevated from Non-Executive Director to Non-Executive Chairman. Rezos brings a wealth of experience in corporate finance and investment banking, having previously steered Vulcan Energy Resources from a modest $10 million market cap to over $2 billion. His track record of scaling companies to ASX 300 status positions him as a pivotal figure for Manhattan Gold’s next growth phase.
New Expertise Joins the Board
Joining Rezos on the board is Danielle Kelly, appointed as a Non-Executive Director. Kelly’s background as a geologist with hands-on experience in gold exploration, notably at Gold Road Resources, complements the company’s technical and strategic needs. Her expertise spans mineral systems evaluation and business development, alongside a solid grounding in financial compliance and ASX reporting, ensuring a balanced and independent board composition.
Meanwhile, CEO Kell Nielsen has stepped down from his executive role but remains on the board as a Non-Executive Director. Nielsen’s ongoing involvement preserves continuity, particularly given his deep knowledge of the company’s Tiboburra Gold project in New South Wales and operational expertise in Canada.
Experienced Geological Leadership on the Ground
Operationally, the Hook Lake Project’s exploration programs are led by Technical Manager Eric Sondergaard and Field Exploration Geologist Sam Vaughan. Both bring extensive experience in Nunavut, Canada, with Sondergaard’s two decades of operational expertise and Vaughan’s decade-long track record in early-stage exploration and mineral discoveries. Their leadership is critical as Manhattan Gold seeks to unlock the potential of this northern Canadian asset.
Farewell to a Longstanding Chairman
The board also bid farewell to former Chairman Marcello Cardaci, who retired after many years of guiding the company through strategic transitions. Cardaci’s corporate acumen and leadership have been acknowledged as invaluable, and his departure marks the end of an era for Manhattan Gold.
Overall, these board and management changes signal Manhattan Gold’s intent to consolidate its governance framework and technical capabilities as it pushes forward with the Hook Lake Project. Investors will be watching closely to see how this refreshed leadership team translates into operational progress and shareholder value.
Bottom Line?
Manhattan Gold’s leadership overhaul sets the stage for a focused push on Hook Lake’s exploration potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the immediate exploration milestones planned for the Hook Lake Project under the new leadership?
- How will the board changes impact Manhattan Gold’s capital allocation and funding strategies?
- What is the long-term vision for integrating the expertise of new directors into operational execution?