#Canada #Vancouver #Aris Mining #Neil Woodyer #Ian Telfer

Aris Mining Reorganizes Leadership for Growth

On January 22, 2026, Aris Mining Corporation, listed on both TSX and NYSE-A, revealed a pivotal update concerning its board of directors and senior management aimed at optimizing its growth trajectory. The mining company, focused on gold production in Colombia and Guyana, operates two active underground mines and is poised for ambitious future expansion.

Leadership Transition

In a move that signifies a notable leadership transition, Ian Telfer has retired as Chair of the Board after significant contributions since February 2021. Telfer had been instrumental in guiding the company during its formative years. Even after stepping down, he will continue to offer his expertise in an advisory capacity, supporting ongoing growth initiatives.

With Telfer’s retirement, Neil Woodyer, the founder of Aris Mining, has been appointed as the new Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Woodyer's appointment highlights his critical role in shaping the company’s strategic vision, capital allocation, and operational excellence. In keeping with the changes, David Garofalo has been appointed as the Lead Independent Director, a position intended to bolster independent oversight while ensuring a cohesive and action-oriented board structure.

Woodyer expressed gratitude towards Telfer, acknowledging his valuable mentorship and leadership. He emphasized that the realignment of roles and responsibilities aims to streamline operational efficiency and accountability as the company heads into a new phase focused on execution and delivery of growth targets.

Management Updates

Beyond the changes at the board level, Aris Mining has enacted key updates within the senior management team. Doug Bowlby has been promoted to President, facilitating a seamless transition as Woodyer takes on dual roles as Chair and CEO. In this new capacity, Bowlby will steer corporate strategy, capital markets, and key corporate initiatives critical to achieving the company's objectives.

Additionally, the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) has been eliminated, leading to Richard Thomas' departure from the firm. The leadership in operational and project execution will now be managed directly by seasoned members of the current senior leadership team, namely Dustin VanDoorselaere, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Cornelius Lourens, Senior Vice President of Projects. This simplified management structure is designed to enhance response times to challenges, improve decision-making efficiency, and align resources closely with operational goals.

Strategic Vision

Aris Mining was established with a vision to emerge as a leading gold mining entity within South America. With a current production capacity that has reportedly reached over 256,000 ounces of gold in 2025, the company is ambitiously targeting an annual output of approximately 1 million ounces. This strategic aim is bolstered by ongoing expansions at existing operations and profitable development prospects in Guyana and Colombia.

The company’s portfolio also includes significant projects like the Toroparu gold project in Guyana and the high-grade Soto Norte project in Colombia. The Toroparu project is advancing towards construction following a recently completed Preliminary Economic Assessment, while the Soto Norte project is on schedule for its licensing process.

With its strategic focus on growth driven by both ongoing production and development initiatives, Aris Mining is determined to unlock value through expanded operational scale and enhanced corporate governance. The recent leadership updates reflect a deeper commitment to transforming the company into a premier player in the gold mining industry.

By embarking on these critical changes within leadership roles, Aris Mining is not just gearing up for immediate operational challenges but is strategically positioning itself for long-term growth in a competitive marketplace. Investors and stakeholders can look forward to a future marked by clear direction and decisive actions as the company embraces its next chapter of expansion and success.

For more details about Aris Mining, their operational updates, and future goals, visit their official site at Aris Mining.