With over 20 years corporate experience in a variety of financial and executive roles, we look back at Ian Murray’s contribution and dedication to the gold industry.
This year his efforts were recognised at the Precious Metals Investment Symposium, where he took home the prestigious Gavin Thomas Mining Award.
Ian Murray was instrumental in the early formation of the Gold Industry Group.
FORMATION OF THE GOLD INDUSTRY GROUP
Formed in 2013, the Gold Royalties Response Group (GRRG) saw Western Australia’s gold miners unite over the State Government’s proposed royalty hike.
Following the disbanding of the GRRG in 2015, Ian Murray was one among many who considered the success of the #heartofgold community education campaign proof of the great benefit of the gold industry working together. He became instrumental in the formation of the Gold Industry Group in late 2015, with the aim to continue to champion the gold industry’s importance and contribution in Australia.
(L-R) Harvey Murray, Stuart Mathews, Hon. Bill Johnston MLA and Ian Murray at the opening of the Joint Venture Gruyere Gold Project.
LEAVING A LEGACY AT GOLD ROAD
Earlier this year Gold Road Resources Limited announced the transition of leadership from Ian Murray as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, to his successor Duncan Gibbs.
“While we are sad that Ian will be leaving us, we respect his wishes to pursue non-executive roles and spend more time with his family, and that now is a good time to hand over the reins,” said Tim Netscher, Gold Road Resources Non-Executive Chairman.
Ian Murray pictured with the Gavin Thomas Mining Award at the 2018 Precious Metals Investment Symposium.
Ian first joined Gold Road as a Non-Executive Director in late 2007 before taking over as Executive Chairman in May 2008, when Gold Road was a sub-A$8 million explorer.
“I am confident I am leaving Gold Road in the safe hands of the Board and these leaders under the guidance of Duncan, while I focus on the next stage of my career,” said Mr Murray.
Under his leadership, the Company confirmed a six million ounce greenfields gold discovery, is on the verge of first production from a world-class, long-life mine, and has a market capitalisation of more than A$600 million.
“Gold Road owes enormous gratitude to Ian, whose leadership of this Company has been inspirational and transformative. Ian has instilled a can-do culture at Gold Road that is helping the Company unlock potential, and he has been a passionate public advocate for the mining and exploration industry. Ian deserves all the accolades he receives, and on behalf of shareholders and the team at Gold Road we wish him all the very best in his retirement from full-time executive roles,” said Mr Netscher.
RECOGNITION OF SERVICE
During Ian Murray’s tenor, Gold Road Resources have won the Best Emerging Company and Deal of the Year at Diggers & Dealers, the only company to win both awards. To add to the pool room, Gold Road Resources were also awarded the 2017 Small & Mid Cap Deal of the Year Award at Mines and Money in London, and was recognised by Gold Mining Journal as Explorer of the Year in 2014.
Ian Murray’s lifetime career achievements were further recognised at this year’s Precious Metals Investment Symposium, where he was presented with the prestigious Gavin Thomas Mining Award, for his contribution to Gold Road Resources and the wider gold industry. The award is described as being bestowed upon a recipient that shows not only dedication to the industry but one who creates a strong team ethic and carries with them a unique sense of being able to get the job done while still maintaining a great joie de vivre.