Our weekly appointments wrap includes James Nicholls, Zac Donovan, Holly Buschman, Fran Lawrence, Peter Jones, Peter Secker and Jean Sebastien Boutet.
Perth-based law firm Hamilton Locke has revealed James Nicholls as the newest addition to its team of partners. Mr Nicholls takes up his new role after working as a partner at DLA Piper for four years and brings an additional seven years of experience from his time working at Allen & Overy as a senior associate and later, counsel. Mr Nicholls has also held positions as Law Council of Australia member of corporations committee and UWA Law School adjunct associate lecturer.
Zac Donovan has commenced as the permanent chief executive of the Shire of Koorda, after 12 months serving the role in a temporary capacity. Mr Donovan has experience in business administration, finance and local government, and formerly worked as an executive manager at the WA Local Government Association. He has also served the Department of the Premier and Cabinet as a media adviser and Ten Network as chief of staff.
Minderoo Foundation has tapped South32 sustainability expert Holly Buschman to lead its conservation push. Ms Buschman, who once led the climate resilience division at BHP, will leave her role as South32’s vice president of sustainability strategy to join Minderoo in April. Ms Buschman will take over the role from Jessica McLagan, Mr Hartman’s chief of staff who has been acting in the role for more than a year.
Marketing and communications agency Purple has appointed Fran Lawrence as its new chief executive taking over the reins from Annette Ellis. The WA-based firm, formerly known as Cannings Purple, announced it had promoted Ms Lawrence into the top role from her previous position as senior director. The new chief has worked with the agency - ranked first among its peers according to Data & Insights - for almost 10 years across several roles. Ms Lawrence is also a non-executive director of Lifeline WA and previously served on the board of West Coast Fever. She launched her career as a print journalist where she worked for over a decade before pivoting to media and strategic communications.
Junior explorer Athena Resources has appointed Peter Jones as its managing director and chief executive, effective from February 17. An experienced accountant and senior executive, Mr Jones joins Athena after more than 10 years with West Perth-based Sinosteel Midwest Corporation. During his tenure, Mr Jones managed programs at several Mid-West projects valued at more than $100 million.
Bauxite-focused Canyon Resources has appointed Peter Secker as its new chief executive, effective July 1. Mr Secker will succeed Jean Sebastien Boutet, who will transition into a new role as the company’s chief commercial and corporate development officer. In this role, Mr Boutet will primarily be responsible for working closely with potential offtake partners, given the Subiaco-based junior is keen to bring its flagship Minim Martap project in Cameroon online. Mr Secker – who has substantial chief executive experience with public companies in Australia, China, Canada, México and the UK – will undertake an advisory role with Canyon until July, with particular emphasis on finalising Minim Martap’s definitive feasibility study. Between 2015 and 2023, he worked as chief executive of Bacanora Lithium and helped develop the Sonora lithium project, located in northern México.
