Board of Directors
Effective 1 January 2025, Directors have been appointed as members of the four standing Committees according to their background, skills and experience.
John Richards
Appointed as Chair 30 April 2022
Qualifications
BEcon (Hons)
Experience
John has over 40 years’ experience in the resources industry as an executive and Non-Executive Director, with expertise in strategy, business development and mergers and acquisitions. John brings to the Sandfire Board a deep understanding of the resources industry globally and its key business drivers. He has a proven track record of identifying strategic opportunities and risks, as well as developing, implementing and overseeing corporate strategies that deliver value from organic and inorganic growth.
As a mining executive, John has previously held roles at Normandy Mining Ltd as Group Executive – Strategy & Business Development and at Buka Minerals Ltd as Managing Director. He has 30 years of experience in Mergers and Acquisitions, both within mining companies and in investment banking and private equity, including involvement in a wide range of significant global transactions. He has previously held roles as Head of Mining & Metals Advisory (Australia) at Standard Bank and Operating Partner at private equity firm Global Natural Resources Investments (GNRI).
John is also a seasoned Non-Executive Director in the resources industry, with previous directorships at gold producers Northern Star Resources (2021 – 2024) and Saracen Mining Holdings Limited, and precious and base metals producer Adriatic Metals Plc. While at Northern Star Resources and Saracen Mining, John served on their Exploration and Growth Committees, with responsibility for the oversight of capital allocation decisions regarding exploration and organic and inorganic growth.
He holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the University of Queensland.
External appointments
John is currently the Lead Independent Director of mineral sands company Sheffield Resources Ltd (since August 2019) and Chairs the Remuneration Committee.
Special responsibilities
- Chair of the Board of Directors
Brendan Harris
Qualifications
BSc (Geology and Geophysics), CPA
Experience
Brendan is an experienced mining executive, with deep technical, financial, strategic and commercial expertise gained through a career spanning diversified international mining companies and investment banking. He brings a strong understanding of stakeholder management that builds high performing teams and delivers successful outcomes within a desired organisational culture.
Prior to joining Sandfire, Brendan was part of the inaugural Executive Committee at South32, initially serving as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, he helped establish the company’s business structure, capital management approach, and financial strategy. He later became Chief Human Resources and Commercial Officer, responsible for global commodity marketing, procurement and human resources.
Brendan joined South32 from BHP, where he was Global Head of Investor Relations and worked closely with the Group Management Committee and Board. Brendan also brings extensive experience from his earlier career in Investment Banking where, as an Executive Director, he led the Macquarie Metals & Mining Research team during the China-led commodity cycle of the 2000s. Earlier industry experience included his time in the Pilbara region of Western Australia with Robe River Iron Associates and a period of gold and base metal exploration in the Gawler Craton, South Australia.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geophysics from Flinders University and is a Certified Practicing Accountant.
External appointments
Executive Council for The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, CEOs for Gender Equity.
Robert Edwards
Qualifications
BE (Hons) Mining, Member of the IOM
Experience
Robert has more than 30 years of experience in the global resources sector, with deep expertise in investment banking, equities research and board governance. He brings strong capabilities in financial and strategic development to drive both organic and inorganic growth and has a thorough understanding of the commercial drivers influencing resource companies across jurisdictions and the mining lifecycle.
At Renaissance Capital (RenCap), a leading emerging and frontier markets investment bank, Robert was instrumental in its international and strategic expansion, supporting resource sector clients across Europe, Africa, and Asia. He transitioned to the role of Chair, Mining and Metals, overseeing investment banking and principal investment activities in the mining, metals, and fertilizer sectors. He also held senior roles as a precious metals equities analyst with the award-winning HSBC Global Mining team and as Senior Advisor to Royal Bank of Canada (Europe) Investment Banking, focusing on M&A and senior client coverage.
As a Non-Executive Director, Robert has served on board of resource companies with assets across Russia, Africa, Asia and Europe. His previous directorships include: LSE-listed gold developer Charaat Gold Limited (2018–2024), Executive Chair of critical metals and gas explorer and developer Bluejay Mining Plc (dual-listed on the LSE and Börse Frankfurt 2022–2023), MMC Norilsk Nickel (MOEX-listed 2013–2022), the world’s leading producer of nickel and palladium as well as major producer of copper and platinum; GB Minerals Limited (TSX-listed), a phosphate miner until its sale in 2017; and Sierra Rutile Ltd, where he was Independent Chair until its acquisition in 2016. Robert began his career in South Africa in production mining and new business development. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mining from the Camborne School of Mines and is a Member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
External appointments
NYSE listed: Robert is Lead Independent Director of responsible metals producer and recycler Lifezone Metals (since July 2023). He also serves as a Director of Sandfire’s UK-base subsidiaries and Sandfire (ES) S.L.U.
Special responsibilities
- Member of the Audit and Risk Committee
- Member of the Remuneration Committee
- Member of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee
- Director of Sandfire UK based subsidiaries and Sandfire Resources (ES) S.L.U.
Paul Harvey
Qualifications
BEng (Mining Engineering), GAICD
Experience
Paul has over 35 years of international mining experience, across the commodities value chain. A mining engineer who has led large-scale development projects, he brings strategic insight into the resources sector, strong expertise in project development and safety, with a demonstrated ability to positively influence organisational culture.
Paul has deep experience leading complex international businesses in senior executive roles. During his 28-year tenure at BHP, he served as President of Nickel West in Australia and President & COO of Ekati Diamonds in Canada. He later became Chief Operating Officer of South32, where he was responsible for the fully integrated global manganese business, as well as base metals and metallurgical coal operations across mining, smelting, refining, and technical and project functions. Paul also held the role of Chief Transformation Officer at South32, supporting its formation following the demerger from BHP, and was part of their inaugural Executive Committee. Paul has had accountability for operational and strategic performance, building teams and organisational cultures centered on delivering sustainable business outcomes.
Through his work across Australia, Canada, Africa, and South America, Paul has developed expertise in health and safety practices and culture and is a recognised safety and sustainability leader. Until de-listing in 2025, Paul was on the Board of ASX-listed gold explorer and project development company DeGrey Mining and chaired the Sustainability Committee. Following his executive career, Paul became a Senior Operating Partner at London-based private equity firm Appian Capital Advisory, advising on strategic mergers and acquisitions in the global resources sector. He currently advises to private mining company Wyloo Pty Ltd, where his deep understanding of the mining sector enables him to provide strategic insight on its nickel and rare earth operations.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering from the Western Australian School of Mines and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
External appointments
Paul is an Advisor at Wyloo Pty Ltd and consults to Appian Capital Advisory on specific resource sector investments.
Special responsibilities
- Chair of the Sustainability Committee
- Member of the Audit and Risk Committee
Sally Langer
Qualifications
BCom, CA, GAICD
Experience
Sally has over 25 years of experience in human resources, audit and financial reporting, corporate governance, and sustainability oversight, gained through her work in professional services and as an experienced Non-Executive Director at both listed and unlisted companies. She brings strong governance capabilities to organisations, supporting sustainable value creation.
Sally began her career with Arthur Andersen, where she worked across the corporate recovery and finance practices. Over the years, she has built a strong executive track record, leading business development and strategy initiatives while managing large teams to deliver sustained, profitable growth. As the founder and Managing Partner of Derwent Executive, a management consulting and executive recruitment firm, she established and expanded the Perth office, supporting clients locally and nationally, and heading the firm’s Mining and Industrial Practice. She previously served as a Director at the international recruitment firm Michael Page.
Throughout her career as a Non-Executive Director, Sally has served on a wide range of listed and unlisted boards, applying her expertise in people and culture, organisational design, sustainability, remuneration, executive leadership, and succession planning. Sally has developed a strong understanding of audit and financial reporting oversight as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee at Northern Star Resources, Chair of the Audit Committee at Jupiter Mines and Federation Mining, and previously at gold producer Saracen Minerals and marine services provider MMA Offshore (2021–2024). She also chairs Northern Star Resources’ Environmental, Social and Safety Committee, overseeing sustainability and related reporting. She currently holds committee roles across various Nominations, People and Culture, and Remuneration Committees at her other boards.
Sally holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Andersen. Sally is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
External appointments: Sally is a Non-Executive Director of gold producer Northern Star Resources Limited (since February 2021) and manganese miner Jupiter Mines (since 13 September 2024). In addition to her listed company directorships, she also holds board roles with Federation Mining, The Gold Corporation, Ronald McDonald House Foundation (state and national), and Hale School (not-for-profit).
Special responsibilities
- Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee
- Member of the Sustainability Committee
- Member of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee
Sally Martin
Qualifications
BEng (Elec), GAICD
Experience
From Sally’s 34 years at global energy company Shell plc, she has gained extensive operational, leadership and ESG experience, which is complemented by her Non-Executive roles. Sally brings a deep working knowledge of building and embedding corporate culture in high-risk and complex organisations. This is whilst balancing successful asset management with navigating complex sustainability issues within the resources sector.
During her tenure at Shell, Sally worked in senior executive roles across the organisation. This included managing complex refinery and trading assets, most recently as General Manager, Trading and Supply Operations, Europe & Africa, and was involved in developing the energy transition strategy and accountable for the health and safety culture of Shell’s global downstream business, as Vice President of Health, Safety, Security, Environment & Social Performance. Sally has led transformational change and has a deep understanding of shaping and leading global teams.
As a Non-Executive Director of Porvair plc, Sally has a particular focus on safety management, project delivery and managing large and dispersed teams and is the designated Board member for employee engagement. Sally is also a Director of Beach Energy where her ESG background ensures she is well placed to oversee their sustainable growth strategy.
Sally holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from University College Cork (Ireland) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
External appointments
ASX Listed: Sally is Non-Executive Director of oil and gas exploration and production company Beach Energy (March 2024) and is also Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of LSE listed specialist filtration and environmental technology company, Porvair Plc (since October 2016) and Chairs the Remuneration Committee.
Special responsibilities
- Chair of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee
- Member of the Sustainability Committee
- Member of the Remuneration Committee
Jenn Morris OAM
Qualifications
BArts, MAICD, Finance for Executives (INSEAD)
Experience:
Jenn has over 20 years’ of executive and non-executive experience, with expertise in organisational culture and transformation, remuneration, corporate governance and sustainability. A dual Olympic gold medalist as part of the Australian women’s hockey teams at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Games, Jenn has a deep understanding of building and sustaining a high-performance culture which enhances her skills in communication, leadership and team effectiveness.
As a Non-Executive Director, Jenn served on the board of Fortescue Metals Group (2016 – 2023) and is currently at Liontown Resources and corporate advisory firm Argonaut, contributing to the companies’ Remuneration Committees as Chair of Remuneration and also as a member of the Sustainability, and Audit and Risk Committees.
Prior to this, Jenn spent more than a decade at Deloitte, where she was a Partner advising clients across the mining, transport and government sectors on strategy development and implementation, business transformation, human capital and governance areas. Jenn later served as CEO of Walk Free, an international human rights organisation focused on eradicating modern slavery through research, advocacy, and global engagement.
Jenn has maintained a strong connection with the Australian sporting community, shaping culture and strategy as a director of the Fremantle Dockers (AFL), the Western Australian Institute of Sport, and as a Commissioner at the Australian Sports Commission.
Jenn holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Journalism) from Curtin University, has completed the Finance for Executives program at INSEAD and is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Jenn was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1997.
External appointments
ASX Listed: Jenn is a Non-Executive Director of Lithium miner Liontown Resources Limited (since November 2021). In addition, Jenn is a director of investment bank and stockbroking firm Argonaut, as well as philanthropic organisations FORM building a state of creativity and think tank The Policy Institute of Australia.
Special responsibilities
- Chair of the Remuneration Committee
- Member of the Audit and Risk Committee