First Bauxite LLC (FBX) announced Board and Senior Management changes to position the Company for long-term success, while focusing on fit for purpose integration opportunities and continuing to deliver for customers. These changes reflect the ongoing evolution of the business, its transforming needs, and the everchanging leadership requirements. These changes also mark an important step forward that enables FBX to build upon all the work and achievements of the past three years including the acquisition of US Ceramics and the commissioning of Guyana Industrial Minerals (GINMIN) operations. The focus of the Company is now on solidifying itself as a trusted supplier of proppants to the oil services industry, and refractory bauxite products globally.
Board Changes
FBX announced the following changes to the Board:
- Thibault van Stratum, Executive Chairman is no longer with the company effective February 23, 2023. Jasper Bertisen will temporarily assume the duties of Board Chairman.
- Martin Valdes, Director resigned effective February 23, 2023.
- Calum Semple appointed as a member of the Board effective February 23, 2023.
- Lee Graber, Director resigned effective February 15, 2023.
- David Coplet, Board Director and Vice President Strategy and Logistics left the company effective February 13, 2023.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to take this opportunity to appreciate the commitment and invaluable contributions made by each departing Director during their tenure with the Company and wish them the very best in future endeavours. Thibault van Stratum in particular was instrumental in expanding the operations at GINMIN and spearheading the USC acquisition.,” stated Jasper Bertisen, Interim-Chairman. “As I shared with our Board of Directors, it will continue to be my privilege to serve with them as we focus on business integration and optimization and ensure continued momentum.”
Management Changes
FBX is pleased to welcome Nathan Wollenburg as the Company’s new Vice President of Sales and Marketing, effective March 6, 2023. Mr. Wollenburg has over 12 years of experience with Vibrantz Technologies (formerly Prince International Corporation) where he was most recently the Sales Director. Earlier in his career he held account executive positions with Foseco Metallurgical and Wedron Flux/Black Lab Corp. He comes to FBX with extensive experience in sales, marketing, business development, and a demonstrated ability to drive product and market growth through technical and commercial development.
John Karson will remain a senior member of the Company’s sales team for an anticipated period of one to two years. During this time, Mr. Karson’s focus will be on successful leadership transition of the sales function and growth of refractory bauxite products. “Mr. Karson joined First Bauxite in 2019 and has been an instrumental contributor to the Company’s success and evolution thus far and we are pleased to have his ongoing involvement during this time of leadership change,” stated Jasper Bertisen, InterimChairman.
FBX also announced it will now commence the process of identifying and appointing a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). To ensure a smooth transition to the new leadership, Calum Semple, Operating Executive from the Company’s majority owner, Resource Capital Funds, will provide executive oversight until such time the new CEO is appointed.
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