Iluka Resources Limited announced the appointment of Tom O’Leary as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective 5 September 2016.
Mr O’Leary is an experienced executive who prior to joining Iluka held the position of Managing Director of Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertiliser division.
Mr O’Leary, who began his career with Robinson Cox, was also a Director of Nikko Principal Investments Limited, and of Nomura International plc, and a Solicitor for Allen & Overy.
He is also a Director of the Clontarf Foundation (since 2006) and of the International Fertiliser Association (since 2013), and member of the Edith Cowan University Council.
Iluka Resources Chairman Greg Martin said Mr O’Leary will succeed David Robb, who has been Managing Director since October 2006.
“I’m very pleased to announce Tom O’Leary’s appointment. He has a depth of business development and capital deployment experience, including major transactional experience,” Mr Martin said.
“Tom provides an important continuity in terms of the capital disciplines and capital allocation abilities that I know our shareholders regard highly as distinguished features of Iluka. I am sure he will provide a new perspective and continued dynamism to our company.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr O’Leary said he was “excited and delighted” to be given the opportunity to lead Iluka.
“I’ve been at Westfarmers for over 15 years, where the primary objective has been to deliver satisfactory return to shareholders,” Mr O’Leary said.
“I understand that a similar objective, to be delivered through the application of sound financial disciplines, is also a core expectation of Iluka’s shareholders. I believe this is best achieved through the performance of highly engaged teams. I’m proud of the team I will leave in place in Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertiliser and I look forward to working closely with the Iluka team.”
Mr O’Leary holds Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Jurisprudence degrees from the University of WA, and also completed Harvard’s Advanced Management Program in 2008.
