Kogi Iron appoints new chairperson, nonexec director

15th August 2022 By: Donna Slater - Features Deputy Editor and Chief Photographer

ASX-listed iron-ore and steel development company Kogi Iron has appointed John Campbell Smyth as nonexecutive director, effective August 15, after incumbent Sean Gregory tendered his resignation on the same date, with immediate effect.

The board has also elected Peter Huljich as nonexecutive chairperson.

Smyth has over 25 years of experience in the fund management, capital markets and corporate finance of the venture capital and resource sectors, and has been principal in the foundation and startup of many exploration successes through to production, both on the ASX and TSX.

His experience includes specialist sector fund management, specialising in the microcap and venture capital area of the commodity sectors, and he has assisted in raising over $500-million for junior miners.

Smyth is a graduate of the University of Western Australia with a BCom, and has completed postgraduate studies in economics at Oxford University in the UK.

He is currently nonexecutive director of ASX-listed Amani Gold and Allup Silica, and TSX-listed Nubian Resources, as well as nonexecutive chairperson of TSX-listed Norseman Silver and ASX-listed Orange Minerals.

Huljich says Smyth’s experience and expertise in the industry will be a great asset to the Kogi Iron team and that the company looks forward to the contributions and advice he will bring.

“I would also like to thank [Gregory] on behalf of the directors and shareholders, for his valuable contributions to the company since November 2020. His expertise has been greatly appreciated and the board wish [him] every success for his future endeavours,” says Huljich.

Kogi is developing the Agbaja iron and steel project, in Nigeria.