Sponsored by Express Gold Refining
New Found Gold Corp., a prominent Canadian mining company, has announced significant changes to its leadership team following its Annual General Meeting held on December 17, 2024, in Vancouver, British Columbia. The company has appointed Paul Huet as the new Chair of the Board and Melissa Render as President, marking a strategic shift as it advances its flagship Queensway Project in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Leadership Appointments
Paul Huet, now serving as Independent Chairman, brings a wealth of experience from his previous executive roles in the mining industry. Notably, he led Karora Resources Inc. as Chairman and CEO until its acquisition by Westgold Resources Limited for $1.3 billion. Prior to that, he was President and CEO of Klondex Mines, which was acquired by Hecla Mining Company for $700 million. Huet’s extensive background in mining operations and capital markets is expected to be instrumental as New Found Gold continues to develop the Queensway Project.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Huet stated, “I’m thrilled to join New Found at such a pivotal moment. Having led teams that transformed exploration companies into billion-dollar producers, I recognize the immense potential here. New Found’s vision, strategic approach, and the strength of the Queensway discovery make this an exciting challenge, and I’m eager to help take the project to new heights.”
Melissa Render, appointed as President, has been with New Found Gold since 2021, serving as Vice President of Exploration. With over a decade of experience as an exploration geologist focusing on orogenic gold, Render has managed exploration projects worldwide, including in the Abitibi and Eastern Goldfields regions. Her promotion reflects the company’s confidence in her leadership and technical expertise.
In addition to Huet and Render, William Hayden has joined the Board of Directors. Hayden is a geologist with more than 38 years of experience in mineral exploration, much of it gained in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. He has held management positions with several exploration and mining companies and currently serves as a Director of Ivanhoe Mines.
Acknowledging Departures
The company also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing board members Ray Threlkeld, Doug Hurst, and particularly Denis Laviolette, co-founder of New Found Gold and integral to the Queensway discovery. Collin Kettell, Chief Executive Officer of New Found Gold, expressed gratitude, stating, “I would like to welcome Paul Huet as Independent Chairman of the Board… I would also like to welcome Bill Hayden and Melissa Render to the Board and, at the same time, extend a thank you to Ray Threlkeld, Doug Hurst, and in particular, Denis Laviolette for his many contributions as co-founder of New Found and his integral role in the Queensway discovery.”
Shareholder Endorsement
Prominent shareholder Eric Sprott expressed strong support for the new appointments, particularly praising Huet’s operational expertise and strategic vision. Sprott remarked, “Having followed Paul’s career closely, I know his passion, operational expertise, and strategic vision are second to none. His leadership has consistently delivered outstanding results, and I am excited to see him bring that same level of commitment and success to New Found.”
Advancing the Queensway Project
New Found Gold’s Queensway Project, located 15 kilometres west of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a significant focus for the company. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including proximity to the Trans-Canada Highway and access to a skilled workforce. The company is currently undertaking a 650,000-metre drill program at Queensway and is well-funded for this initiative, with cash and marketable securities of approximately $28 million as of December 2024.
These leadership changes are poised to strengthen New Found Gold’s position in the Canadian mining sector, with the new team bringing a blend of operational experience and strategic insight to drive the company’s growth and the development of its key projects.
