Tivan appoints new CEO and CTO to accelerate Speewah and Molyhil projects

Executive Team Formed to Drive Project Delivery

Tivan Limited (ASX:TVN) has reshaped its leadership structure, establishing an Executive Team to boost operational readiness and steer the company through the critical phases of its Speewah Fluorite and Molyhil Tungsten projects. This move signals a transition from corporate turnaround to project execution, with Executive Chairman Grant Wilson at the helm alongside three key executives.

The newly minted Executive Team comprises Mr Wilson, Mr Robert Gerrard as Chief Executive Officer (Australia), Dr Ellin Lede as Executive Director and Chief Development Officer, and Mr Brendon Nicol as Chief Technical Officer. Together, they will oversee the commercial, operational, technical, and stakeholder engagement aspects necessary to advance the projects towards final investment decisions.

Robert Gerrard Takes the Helm as CEO (Australia)

Mr Gerrard’s appointment as CEO (Australia) marks a significant leadership addition. Joining Tivan in April 2026 from Kellogg Brown & Root, he brings over 18 years of experience managing large-scale capital projects across resources and energy sectors, including Carrapateena and LNG developments. His expertise spans multiple delivery models and remote jurisdiction stakeholder engagement, aligning with Tivan’s operational ambitions.

Since joining, Gerrard has led a comprehensive workplace health and safety review, driven recruitment efforts, and engaged with strategic partner Sumitomo Corporation and Traditional Owners of the Speewah project. His remit includes oversight of commercial and operational workflows, contracts, procurement, and human resources, positioning him as a pivotal figure in project delivery.

Dr Ellin Lede Joins Board, Retains Development Role

Dr Lede’s elevation to the Board as Executive Director is the first board change since September 2023. With a background leading Fortescue Future Industries’ Northern Australia office and advising Northern Territory Chief Ministers, she brings governmental and community engagement expertise critical to Tivan’s regional strategy.

She continues as Chief Development Officer, overseeing government relations in Australia, Japan, and Timor-Leste, alongside community and stakeholder engagement with Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders. Her appointment reflects Tivan’s commitment to integrating local heritage and stakeholder alignment into its corporate governance.

Brendon Nicol Promoted to Chief Technical Officer

Mr Nicol’s promotion to CTO formalises his integral role in Tivan’s technical leadership. Having contributed significantly since the 2022 management change, his multi-disciplinary expertise spans metallurgy, engineering, mining, and geology. Nicol’s commercial acumen and strong relationships, including with Sumitomo, underpin his new responsibility for all technical disciplines across Tivan’s projects.

He will work closely with project leaders like Michael Christ (Speewah Project Director) and Yohanes Suryaputradinata (Molyhil Project Manager) to push towards final investment decisions and expedite project development.

Leadership Team Expanded and CFO Resignation

Tivan has broadened its Leadership Team to amplify executive capabilities, promoting Maddalyn McBeath to Commercial Director and recognising other key contributors. This internal promotion strategy aims to reinforce company culture and sustain long-term growth.

However, the company also announced the resignation of CFO Tammie Dixon after 18 months in the role. Jason Giltay, the Chief Commercial Officer, will act as interim CFO while the search for a permanent replacement proceeds.

Governance and Incentives Aligned with Project Milestones

Both Gerrard and Lede’s appointments come with substantial performance rights linked to project milestones, including final investment decisions at Speewah and Molyhil, and in Lede’s case, mineral resource definition in Timor-Leste. These incentives, subject to shareholder approval, align executive rewards closely with project progress and shareholder value creation.

While the detailed terms of some performance rights await disclosure and approval, the structure underscores Tivan’s focus on delivering its pipeline of critical minerals projects efficiently and effectively.