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Pioneer Minerals Limited (ASX:PMM) has announced the appointment of Jay Stephenson as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, effective 1 August 2026. Stephenson, a veteran corporate leader with over 35 years of business experience and 29 years in senior roles at publicly listed companies, will succeed Paul Hughes and Ben Donovan. This strategic appointment aims to enhance the company’s governance and financial management as it advances its operational and corporate goals.
Key Points
- Pioneer Minerals Limited (ASX:PMM) appoints Jay Stephenson as CFO and Company Secretary, effective 1 August 2026.
- Stephenson brings more than 35 years of expertise in listed company governance, financial leadership, and the resources industry.
- Outgoing CFO Paul Hughes will serve as interim Non-Executive Director; Ben Donovan steps down as Company Secretary.
- Stephenson will take over ASX Listing Rule communications upon assuming the Company Secretary role.
Jay Stephenson’s Proven Expertise in Corporate Governance and Resource Sector Management
Jay Stephenson joins Pioneer Minerals with a robust background spanning over 35 years in business development and corporate governance. His 29 years in senior management at both listed and private companies include roles such as Director, CFO, and Company Secretary across sectors like natural resources, IT, manufacturing, nutraceuticals, hospitality, and property. His extensive experience in the resources sector aligns closely with Pioneer Minerals’ focus as an ASX-listed exploration and development firm.
Stephenson’s qualifications reinforce his fit for this dual role. He holds an MBA and is a Fellow of CPA Australia, a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Professional Accountant (Canada), a Certified Management Accountant (Canada), and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. These credentials equip him to oversee Pioneer Minerals’ financial reporting and governance obligations effectively.
Global Experience Across Jurisdictions and Complex Corporate Transactions
Stephenson’s international career covers Australia, Canada, the US, UK, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and several African countries. This global exposure enables him to adeptly manage cross-border regulatory and market complexities. For Pioneer Minerals, such experience offers valuable insights into international commodity markets, compliance frameworks, and capital transactions.
He has led numerous complex acquisitions, mergers, IPOs, capital raisings, and restructurings while managing comprehensive financial functions. His expertise in capital markets is particularly pertinent for a publicly listed company needing efficient access to equity and debt financing. Stephenson’s familiarity with ASX regulations, shareholder communications, and continuous disclosure will support Pioneer Minerals’ corporate and capital strategies.
Transition Plan and Continuity in Financial and Governance Roles
Stephenson’s appointment as CFO and Company Secretary takes effect on 1 August 2026. Affiliated with Forest House Corporate, he will begin transition activities ahead of officially assuming both roles, ensuring a smooth handover and uninterrupted financial and governance operations. The company has communicated this timeline clearly to investors for transparency.
Paul Hughes will move to an interim Non-Executive Director position until a permanent CFO is appointed, while Ben Donovan will step down as Company Secretary. The Board expressed gratitude to Hughes and Donovan for their valuable service. Retaining Hughes on the Board during the transition preserves institutional knowledge and oversight, while Stephenson’s arrival brings fresh expertise.
CEO Michael Beven Endorses Stephenson’s Appointment
CEO Michael Beven praised Jay Stephenson as a highly respected executive with extensive experience in governance, financial management, capital markets, and the resources sector. Beven’s endorsement signals the Board’s confidence in Stephenson’s ability to provide strong financial leadership and governance at Pioneer Minerals. The CEO also thanked Hughes and Donovan for their professionalism and contributions, underscoring a smooth and positive leadership transition.
Compliance with ASX Listing Rule 12.6 and Company Secretary Responsibilities
In line with ASX Listing Rule 12.6, Pioneer Minerals confirmed that Stephenson will assume responsibility for ASX communications related to Listing Rule matters upon starting as Company Secretary on 1 August 2026. This role involves managing regulatory compliance and continuous disclosure obligations as the primary liaison with the ASX. The transition period allows for an orderly handover from Ben Donovan.
The Company Secretary position carries significant regulatory duties, especially concerning continuous disclosure under ASX rules. Stephenson’s strong governance and compliance background highlights Pioneer Minerals’ commitment to maintaining rigorous ASX standards. He will ensure timely notification of material information and transparency with investors.
About Pioneer Minerals and Its Operational Framework
Pioneer Minerals Limited is an ASX-listed minerals exploration and development company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, at Level 50, 108 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000. Trading under the ticker PMM, the company operates within the Australian Securities Exchange regulatory framework, adhering to ASX Listing Rules, continuous disclosure, and Corporations Law requirements. Appointing an experienced CFO and Company Secretary is vital for upholding governance and financial reporting standards.
Operating in the resource sector, which demands substantial capital, regulatory compliance, and shareholder reporting, Pioneer Minerals requires executives skilled in financial management, capital markets, and regulatory communication. Stephenson’s resource sector experience and expertise in capital raising and corporate transactions position him to support the company’s strategic growth and capital needs. His appointment reflects Pioneer Minerals’ dedication to recruiting seasoned leaders capable of managing the complexities of ASX-listed resource companies.
Strategic Impact of Leadership Change in Financial and Governance Roles
Jay Stephenson’s appointment as CFO and Company Secretary underscores Pioneer Minerals’ focus on enhancing financial management and corporate governance. Such leadership changes often indicate efforts to boost operational efficiency, compliance, or prepare for strategic shifts. Stephenson’s background in capital raising, M&A, and IPOs suggests the company may be gearing up for future corporate transactions or capital market activities leveraging his expertise.
The effective date of 1 August 2026 provides investors with advance notice and allows for a structured transition. Retaining Paul Hughes as interim Non-Executive Director ensures Board continuity during this period. For investors, this leadership update offers insight into Pioneer Minerals’ governance quality and executive capabilities. The company’s history of appointing experienced leaders signals its ongoing commitment to best practice governance and shareholder value.
Contact Details and Additional Information on Pioneer Minerals
For more information on Pioneer Minerals Limited, stakeholders can visit the company website at www.pioneerminerals.com.au. The head office is located at Level 50, 108 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000. Contact can be made via telephone at +61 (8) 9465 1044 or email at [email protected]. CEO Michael Beven is available for inquiries at 0452 177 769 or [email protected]. These channels provide access to company details and senior management regarding the CFO and Company Secretary appointment or Pioneer Minerals’ operations and strategy.
