SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Hawthorn Resources Limited (ASX: HAW) announced that its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Kerr will retire from the company, effective 31st December 2022.

The Chairman of the Company, Mr Li Yijie, thanked Mr Kerr for his long and loyal service to Hawthorn over 16 years.

Mr Kerr said: “As the Founding Chairman, then Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hawthorn Resources from 2016, it has been an honour serving the companies’ shareholders and its Joint Venture partners.

I am proud of what Hawthorn has achieved and I leave knowing that the company has never been in better shape.

The recent Mt Bevan JV partnership with Atlas Iron (Atlas)/Hancock Magnetite Holdings (Hancock) [2022] and our foundation JV partner, Legacy Iron Ore (Legacy)/NMDC [2014] was a significant achievement.

Along with its magnetite endowment, the opportunities at Mt Bevan continue to grow and strengthen, with the exploration and development of its critical minerals potential (nickel, lithium and copper) being contemplated.

I would like to thank my fellow directors, including Dr David Tyrwhitt, and the management team that have helped to deliver substantial value for our shareholders and our community. I wish the Board and management team all the best for the future.”

The Board has confirmed that Mr Brian Thornton, currently a Non-Executive Director of Hawthorn, will become the interim CEO until further notice.