Strickland Metals Plans Managing Director Transition and Board Restructure in 2026

Leadership Transition Signals Strategic Shift

Strickland Metals Limited (ASX:STK) is entering a new chapter as it prepares to transition its flagship Rogozna Project from exploration to development. Central to this shift is a significant leadership overhaul. Managing Director Paul L’Herpiniere, who has been instrumental in advancing Rogozna for nearly a decade, will step down by the end of 2026 once a successor is appointed. The company has already begun a comprehensive search for a new Managing Director equipped to lead the next phase.

Meanwhile, Chairman Anthony McClure will relinquish his role as Chair on 1 October 2026 but remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director. McClure’s decision is driven by a desire to focus on other business interests, though he will continue to lend his strategic guidance during this critical period. Non-Executive Director Trent Franklin will also exit the Board following the Annual General Meeting in November, after more than five years of service.

New Chair Brings Regional and Corporate Expertise

Stepping into the Chair role is Independent Non-Executive Director Sandra Bates, who joined Strickland’s Board in June 2026. Bates brings a wealth of experience in resource finance, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement, particularly within the Balkans; a region crucial to Rogozna’s advancement. Her background includes executive and legal roles at ASX-listed explorers and international resource companies, positioning her well to steer Strickland through its development phase.

Bates’ appointment reflects the company’s strategic intent to strengthen governance and operational expertise as it moves beyond exploration. Her familiarity with Balkan regulatory and operating environments is expected to be a valuable asset as Strickland navigates the complexities of project development in Serbia.

Legacy of Exploration Success Under L’Herpiniere and McClure

Paul L’Herpiniere has overseen a period of remarkable growth at Rogozna, transforming it into one of Europe’s most significant undeveloped gold and base metals projects. Since Strickland’s acquisition of Rogozna in 2024, he has guided the company through substantial resource expansions and technical milestones. L’Herpiniere will remain at the helm until his successor is in place, ensuring continuity during ongoing study workstreams.

Anthony McClure’s tenure as Chair coincided with the company’s transformation from a junior explorer to a developer with a globally significant asset. He expressed confidence in the company’s future prospects and will continue contributing as a Non-Executive Director. Trent Franklin’s departure marks the end of a notable chapter, with the Board acknowledging his significant contributions during a period of substantial growth and exploration success.

Building Management Capacity for Development Challenges

Alongside the Managing Director succession, Strickland plans to bolster its management capabilities across critical areas including mine development, finance, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. This expansion aligns with the company’s evolving needs as it prepares for the complex demands of project development at Rogozna.

The leadership changes come at a time when Strickland is consolidating its resource base, having recently lifted the Rogozna Project’s gold equivalent resource to over 9 million ounces, with strong growth at key deposits like Gradina and Copper Canyon. These operational advances underscore the importance of a management team capable of transitioning from exploration success to delivering a viable mining operation.