John Richards is an economist with more than 35 years’ experience in the resources industry. He has held strategy and business development positions across several mining companies and has worked extensively in the investment banking and private equity industries. He has been involved in a wide range of significant mining M&A transactions on a global scale. Mr Richards is also a Non-Executive Director of leading gold producer Northern Star Resources Ltd and Lead Independent Director of mineral sands company Sheffield Resources Ltd. His previous positions include Group Executive – Strategy & Business Development at Normandy Mining Ltd; Head of Mining & Metals Advisory (Australia) at Standard Bank; Managing Director at Buka Minerals Ltd and Operating Partner at Global Natural Resources Investments (GNRI). He holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the University of Queensland. Special responsibilities Chair of the Board of Directors Chair of the Nominations Committee Member of the People and Performance Committee