Full Name: Darren Townsend
Position: MD of Australian Stock Exchange-listed company Peak Resources, which is based in Perth
Main Activity of the Company: Development of the Ngualla rare earths project, in Tanzania
Date and Place of Birth: Traralgon, Victoria, Australia, March 7, 1969
Education: Eng (Hons) – mining engineering; executive MBA
First Job: Rio Tinto
Size of First Pay Packet: A$42 000 a year
Value of Assets under Your Control: The market capitalisation of Peak Resources is A$25-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 15
Management Style: Inclusive, but directive when required
Personal Best Achievement: My wife and family, and being appointed site GM by the age of 30
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Dave Bale
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Neil Young
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Michael Chaney
Philosophy of Life: When what you see does not match what you hear, trust your eyes
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Joining Peak Resources
Biggest Ever Disappointment: The Minister of Mines of Kenya illegally revoking mining licence
Hope for the Future: That I enjoy more time and holidays with my wife
Favourite Reading: Biographies (preferably rock n roll)
Favourite TV Programme: World movies
Favourite Food/Drink: Steak, chips and salad/Sarsaparilla
Favourite Music: Rock/folk – Pearl Jam, Neil Young, Paul Kelly
Favourite Sport: Basketball, volleyball
Hobbies: Reading
Car: Toyota Camry
Pets: Irish terrier
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Keeping up with the Joneses
Married: To Jennifer
Children: Alex, 21; Courtney, 24
Clubs: None