Critical Minerals Group names COO Pat Kelly as interim CEO following Scott Winter's resignation to lead BTP. The company confirms its strategy and Lindfield Vanadium Project plans remain steady during the transition.
- Pat Kelly appointed Interim CEO from 1 September 2026
- Scott Winter resigns to become CEO of BTP
- Lindfield Vanadium Project development continues unchanged
- Kelly brings extensive operational experience since 2024
- Board confident in leadership continuity during transition
Leadership Transition at Critical Minerals Group
Critical Minerals Group (ASX:CMG) is navigating a significant leadership change as Scott Winter steps down as Managing Director and CEO effective 1 September 2026. Winter, who has helmed the company for about three years, is departing to take the helm of BTP, a recently acquired $100 million business carved out from Perenti Limited (ASX:PRN). The board expressed gratitude for Winter’s tenure, highlighting his role in advancing CMG’s position as a leading vanadium developer in Queensland.
Pat Kelly Takes the Helm as Interim CEO
Stepping up from his role as Chief Operating Officer, Pat Kelly has been appointed Interim CEO. Kelly’s operational leadership since November 2024 has been pivotal in driving the Lindfield Vanadium Project and associated vanadium electrolyte plant forward. His mining engineering background and senior management experience, including a Chief Operating Officer role at HSE Mining, equip him well to maintain momentum during this transition.
Kelly’s remuneration package includes a base salary of $312,000 plus statutory superannuation, with a short-term incentive of up to 20% of base salary subject to KPIs and board discretion. The board will review his remuneration as part of the ongoing leadership transition.
Project Continuity and Strategic Stability
Despite the leadership shuffle, CMG’s strategic direction and project timelines remain intact. The company is pressing ahead with its program to advance the Lindfield Vanadium Project and electrolyte plant towards a Final Investment Decision (FID). The board emphasised that the technical team remains in place and committed to the approved program of works, signalling operational stability amid executive changes.
Chairman Alan Broome underscored the board’s confidence in Kelly’s ability to provide continuity, noting his deep familiarity with the project and team. This reassurance comes as CMG positions itself to capitalise on the growing vanadium flow battery market, building on recent milestones including a robust $821 million pre-tax NPV Pre-Feasibility Study for Lindfield completed in July 2026.
Implications for Investors and Next Steps
Winter’s departure to lead a larger organisation introduces some uncertainty around CMG’s long-term leadership, with no timeline provided for appointing a permanent CEO. However, the appointment of an experienced internal candidate as interim CEO suggests a measured approach to maintaining project momentum. Investors will be watching for updates on the permanent leadership appointment and any strategic shifts that may follow.
Bottom Line?
While leadership changes often unsettle markets, CMG’s appointment of an experienced insider as interim CEO and commitment to existing project plans signal continuity as it advances towards a critical investment decision.
Questions in the middle?
- When will CMG announce a permanent CEO to replace Pat Kelly?
- Could Scott Winter’s departure impact CMG’s strategic partnerships or funding prospects?
- How will Kelly’s leadership style influence the pace of the Lindfield Project’s progress?