Gerard Bond to Step Down as OceanaGold President and CEO in 2027, Preparing for Leadership Transition

OceanaGold's Leadership Transition

In a noteworthy announcement from OceanaGold Corporation, Gerard Bond, the current President and CEO, has disclosed his intention to retire in April 2027. Having helmed the company for five successful years, Bond's retirement comes at a pivotal time as OceanaGold stands poised for significant growth and operational success.

During his tenure, Bond has expressed that leading OceanaGold has been both a privilege and a profound joy, marking it as the highlight of his professional journey. Under his guidance, the company has seen remarkable improvements in operational and financial performance, alongside a concerted effort in enhancing leadership capabilities and fostering a strong culture among employees.

Achievements and Future Outlook

Bond's leadership has not only focused on increasing shareholder returns but has also led to the expansion of the company's asset portfolio, including new growth opportunities. As mentioned in his statement, OceanaGold is firmly positioned with a robust pipeline of growth initiatives and financial backing, making it an optimal time for a new leader to step in. He emphasized, "The outlook is incredibly bright for OceanaGold, with a strong and capable executive team and excellent leaders across all operations."

Looking ahead to 2026, OceanaGold is on track to meet its production targets and is set to enhance its portfolio with the addition of the Katanning Gold Project through the recent acquisition of Ausgold. Bond's commitment to ensuring a smooth transition is evident as he has agreed to continue serving as a Special Advisor to the Board and the incoming CEO for six months after his retirement, providing continuity and support during this critical period.

A Legacy of Excellence

Paul Benson, Chairman of the OceanaGold Board, praised Bond's leadership during what he termed a transformative period for the company. His efforts have substantially improved operational safety and production output while fostering a culture of success. Benson remarked, "Gerard has done a stellar job of leading OceanaGold by maximizing gold production responsibly and cultivating a winning culture. He has translated company strategy into strong shareholder returns, which is commendable."

As the company gears up for this monumental transition, the Board is actively engaging a leading international search firm, Spencer Stuart, to identify the next top executive who will carry forward OceanaGold's legacy. The aim is to ensure that the new leader is thoroughly equipped to maintain the company's financial health and strategic direction.

Bond plans to retire in Australia after his five-year mark with OceanaGold and more than three decades in the resources industry, marking a significant career milestone. The Board is appreciative of the advance notice provided by Bond, which allows ample time to secure his successor.

About OceanaGold

OceanaGold Corporation is a prominent player in the global gold and copper market, dedicated to safe and responsible practices that maximize cash flow generation for its stakeholders. With a diversified portfolio that includes four operating mines— two in New Zealand, one in the USA, and one in the Philippines— the company continues to prioritize growth and sustainability, aiming to deliver substantial returns to its shareholders.

In conclusion, as OceanaGold prepares for this leadership transition, the focus will be on continuing the momentum Bond has created and ensuring that the company's strategies and operational strengths are preserved and enhanced under new leadership. Stakeholders can look forward to updates as the company progresses towards selecting its next President and CEO.