SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Arafura Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARU) has announced the appointment of Darryl Cuzzubbo as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He replaces Gavin Lockyer, who will leave the company after a short handover.
Mr Cuzzubbo has been a non-executive director of Arafura since November 2021 and has been providing management support services to the executive leadership team since September 2023. He has more than 30 years of experience in the resources and manufacturing sectors, including 24 years with BHP.
Mr Cuzzubbo was selected after a four-month global executive search process led by consultants Korn Ferry. He will lead Arafura through its next phase of development, including the construction and delivery of the Nolans Project, a globally significant rare earths producer.
Arafura Chairman Mark Southey said: “This transition reflects the Board’s absolute focus on delivering and commissioning the Nolans Project, as the Company’s efforts to secure key off-take agreements and debt financing head towards a conclusion.” He added that Mr Cuzzubbo has the expertise required to deliver and commission a complex processing plant in a remote location.