Former Rio Tinto chief executive officer Sam Walsh has been appointed chairman of Gold Corporation, operator of The Perth Mint.
Walsh will succeed Don Mackay-Coghill, who held the position of chairman since 2016. He will guide an organisation that refines more than 350 tonnes of gold and 650 tonnes of silver each year.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan commented, “In the increasingly complex worlds of refining, metals trading, financial services and digital technologies, I believe Mr Walsh has the right skills to lead Gold Corporation into the future.”
During Mackay-Coghill’s time as chairman, he provided guidance, advice and consultation to fellow members of the board and executive committee to consolidate The Perth Mint’s position as a leader in the global precious metals industry.
The Perth Mint CEO Richard Hayes said Mackay-Coghill’s dedication to the organisation had been invaluable.
“On behalf of the board and staff, I would like to extend my thanks to Mr Mackay-Coghill for sharing his extensive experience and providing sound leadership to The Perth Mint team,” Hayes said.
“As we move into a new year and new era for The Perth Mint, we warmly welcome Mr Walsh and look forward to working with him as we continue to build our global presence and reputation in the dynamic and challenging precious metal markets of the 21st century.”
Walsh is also chair of the Australian Council of the Arts and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. He is chairman of the Perth Diocesan Trust, commissioning panel chair of the Australian representation for the Venice Biennale, chair elect of the Royal Flying Doctor Service WA, and chairman of Accenture Global Mining Council.