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Global Advanced Metals Announces Andrew O’Donovan to be Appointed New Chief Executive Officer
Monday, October 8, 2012
Effective January 1, 2013, industry veteran will oversee responsible mining, sourcing and production of high quality tantalum, positioning company into a new phase of global growth
Boston, MA, USA and Perth, Australia – October 8, 2012 – Global Advanced Metals Pty Ltd (GAM), a world leader in the socially responsible production of tantalum, announced that effective January 1, 2013, Andrew O’Donovan will replace Bryan Ellis as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GAM. Mr. Ellis will retire at the end of this year, but continue on as Vice Chairman and Non-Executive Director of GAM.
“Andrew’s 18 years’ experience in the electronics industry, his most recent position as president of GAM’s Technology division, as well as his execution-based management style make him a natural fit to lead GAM into its next phase of growth,” stated Bryan Ellis, CEO of GAM. “I am confident in Andrew’s experience and his ability to assume the role of CEO as we continue to deliver the world’s highest quality tantalum products to our customers and execute our vision as global leaders in the production of ethically sourced tantalum.”
As CEO, Mr. O’Donovan, will oversee GAM’s vertically integrated operations in Australia, USA and Japan, from mining, exploration and sourcing of ethically produced raw minerals, to the final production and sale of high-quality finished tantalum and niobium products. GAM is a leading supplier of the metal, tantalum, an essential raw material in the manufacture of electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets and laptops, aircraft engines, automotive safety systems, medical devices and many other important applications. Under Mr. O’Donovan’s leadership, GAM will continue investing in mineral exploration to find new sources of tantalum while also continuing GAM’s ground-breaking research and development programs to find new product applications.
“I am grateful and enthusiastic to be assuming the role of CEO at GAM as we help lead this industry in a new direction,” said Mr. O’Donovan. “It was Bryan Ellis’ vision to transform GAM into a vertically integrated company that can take raw ore from the ground all the way through complex manufacturing processes to a high purity, high quality finished product. This level of consolidation is unprecedented in our value chain and offers new levels of stability of supply to our customers. I believe that our unique position on socially responsible production will allow GAM to continue to set a benchmark that the global tantalum industry will strive to reach.”
“We are indebted to Bryan for his leadership over the last number of years, and particularly in his execution of GAM’s recent acquisition of major U.S. and Japan based tantalum processor, Cabot Supermetals,” stated James McClements, Chairman of GAM and founding partner of Resource Capital Funds, a major GAM shareholder. “Andrew came to GAM as a result of that acquisition, has built strong teams in the U.S. and Japan and established a solid reputation across this entire industry for his integrity and leadership on complex issues. Andrew has the full support of the GAM board, management and staff as he takes over this leadership role.”
About Global Advanced Metals Pty Ltd
Global Advanced Metals Pty Ltd owns the world’s largest known resource of tantalum ore in its Western Australian mines, is actively engaged in exploration and resource development throughout the world, and processes tantalum ore to finished product at its high tech U.S. and Japan based facilities. GAM is a global leader in the production, development and sustainable supply of tantalum to a range of industries including electronics, aerospace, medical and chemical processing. GAM facilities were officially declared “Conflict Fee” in 2010 under the newly formed EICC/GeSI Conflict Free Smelter audit process, and continue to maintain that status today.