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Primary Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV:HDRO) announced the appointment of David Jackson as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 20, 2026. Jackson succeeds Benjamin Asuncion, who will remain on the board as a director. Bringing extensive expertise in operational scaling within veterinary technology and healthcare, including leading an international firm to acquisition by a global healthcare technology company in 2024, Jackson’s appointment marks a strategic move as Primary Hydrogen advances its rare earth and hydrogen exploration initiatives across North America.
Key Points
- David Jackson appointed President and CEO of Primary Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV:HDRO), effective July 20, 2026
- Jackson replaces Benjamin Asuncion, who continues as a company director following the leadership change
- Jackson granted 235,000 incentive stock options at an exercise price of $1.16 per share, fully vesting four months and one day after grant, with a five-year exercise term
- New CEO brings proven experience scaling international businesses, most recently as President and Managing Partner of a veterinary technology manufacturing company operating in 56 countries
David Jackson’s Operational and International Scaling Expertise
David Jackson has a solid background in entrepreneurial leadership and operational management across diverse industries. He most recently served as President and Managing Partner of a veterinary technology manufacturing company with operations spanning 56 countries. Under his leadership, the company scaled significantly and was acquired by a global healthcare technology firm in 2024.
Post-acquisition, Jackson held the position of Managing Director at the acquiring company during a two-year transition, demonstrating his capability in managing integration and continuity at scale. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, complementing his extensive operational experience with formal education.
Leadership Transition and Board Continuity
Outgoing CEO Benjamin Asuncion will remain actively involved as a director on Primary Hydrogen’s board after stepping down from his executive role. Asuncion expressed support for the leadership transition, highlighting Jackson’s international scaling experience as aligned with the company’s strategic direction as it progresses to its next phase.
This leadership structure preserves Asuncion’s institutional knowledge and strategic insight at the board level while introducing new operational leadership. Asuncion emphasized his commitment to supporting Jackson from the board position, fostering a collaborative governance approach during the transition.
Stock Option Grant and Incentive Details
As part of his appointment, Primary Hydrogen granted Jackson incentive stock options to acquire up to 235,000 common shares at an exercise price of $1.16 per share. The options fully vest four months and one day after the grant date and have a five-year exercise period. This grant complies with the company’s stock option plan and TSX Venture Exchange policies.
The options are subject to a four-month hold period on the underlying shares, a standard TSXV restriction designed to mitigate insider trading risks and ensure proper dissemination of material information before insiders trade shares.
Primary Hydrogen’s Exploration Portfolio and Strategic Focus
Primary Hydrogen’s exploration portfolio targets natural hydrogen resources across North America, holding over 740 acres in the United States and 230 square kilometres in Canada. This diversified geographic footprint spans multiple regulatory and geological environments.
Key projects include Blakelock, Hopkins, Mary's Harbour, Point Rosie, Crooked Amphibolite, Coquihala, and Cogburn. The company also holds an option to acquire a 75% interest in the Wicheeda North hydrogen-rare earth elements (REE) project in British Columbia, providing additional upside exposure without immediate full ownership obligations.
Jackson’s Vision for Operational Excellence and Exploration Progress
Jackson expressed enthusiasm about leveraging his operational and scaling expertise to advance Primary Hydrogen’s rare earth and hydrogen exploration programs. His focus on operational discipline and systematic project development aligns with the company’s goal to efficiently progress multiple projects and optimize capital deployment.
His appointment addresses the common operational and scaling challenges faced by exploration-stage companies transitioning toward advanced development phases.
Market Context: Hydrogen and Rare Earth Elements Exploration
Primary Hydrogen’s focus on natural hydrogen exploration corresponds with rising global interest in hydrogen as a clean energy source and industrial feedstock. Natural hydrogen, also called geological or white hydrogen, is an emerging sector as governments and companies seek low-carbon hydrogen production alternatives. The inclusion of rare earth elements broadens the company’s exposure to mineral exploration, offering distinct technical and market opportunities.
Jackson’s international scaling and operational background reflects the board’s confidence in capitalizing on these market opportunities amid sustained global demand for hydrogen energy and critical materials like rare earth elements.
Regulatory Compliance and Disclosure
The CEO appointment and stock option grant comply with TSX Venture Exchange regulations and the company’s stock option plan. The TSXV disclaims responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release, a standard notice for venture-listed companies.
The announcement includes forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, cautioning that actual outcomes may materially differ. The company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking information except as legally required.
Investor Implications of Leadership Change
Jackson’s appointment is significant for investors, given his operational scaling expertise and experience with acquisition transactions, which may benefit the company’s multi-project exploration portfolio spanning two countries. While his background in healthcare technology and property development differs from natural resource exploration, his cross-sector operational skills are relevant.
Retaining Asuncion as a director provides continuity and institutional knowledge during this transition. The appointment took effect on July 20, 2026, enabling immediate execution of strategic initiatives. Public information did not indicate any immediate impact on the company’s share price at the time of the announcement.
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Disclosure
The company reiterates that forward-looking statements about Jackson’s appointment, exploration plans at Wicheeda North, and stock option terms involve risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee these statements will prove accurate, and readers are advised not to place undue reliance on them.
Primary Hydrogen acknowledges that both known and unknown risks could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, consistent with regulatory requirements and the inherent uncertainties of exploration-stage companies operating in natural hydrogen and rare earth element sectors.
