Northern Star Resources has announced the appointment of Suresh Vadnagra as Managing Director and CEO, effective October 5, 2026, succeeding Stuart Tonkin who has led the company for 13 years. The appointment follows a comprehensive board search with a leading global executive search firm and reflects ongoing succession planning. This leadership transition marks a significant moment as Northern Star enters a new operational phase.
Vadnagra brings more than 25 years of mining experience across strategy, operations, major projects, and enterprise leadership. He currently serves as Head of Glencore Nickel and Zinc Industrial Assets based in Switzerland, overseeing a diverse portfolio of more than 25 operations spanning open pit and underground mines, smelters, and refineries across Australia, North America, Asia, and Europe. Before Glencore, he was Chief Technical and Projects Officer at Newcrest, directing major projects and technology including Red Chris, Cadia’s future panel caves, Havieron, and Wafi-Golpu. Earlier roles at BHP, Iluka Resources, and MMG included leading operational ramp-up at Las Bambas in Peru, one of the world’s top 10 copper mines by production. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Western Australia and an MBA from Southern Cross University.
The board has structured a measured transition to ensure continuity. Ryan Gurner, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed deputy CEO immediately and will assume interim CEO duties following Tonkin’s departure in the first quarter of FY27. This arrangement remains in place until Vadnagra commences on October 5. Chairman Michael Chaney emphasised that Vadnagra’s experience in executing major operational programs, combined with his commitment to safety, positions him to unlock value from Northern Star’s assets and people.
For investors, the appointment signals confidence in Northern Star’s growth trajectory. Chaney specifically highlighted opportunities including ramping up KCGM, progressing Hemi, and optimising existing operations. Vadnagra’s background in multi-asset portfolio management and major project delivery directly aligns with these priorities, suggesting the board selected an executive equipped to execute the company’s operational agenda.
The key focus for investors in coming months will be observing how smoothly the transition executes and what strategic direction Vadnagra charts upon arrival. Watch for updates on KCGM ramp-up progress and the Hemi development timeline, as these will indicate execution capability under new management. This announcement has been classified as price sensitive and flagged as material by the ASX.
View the full ASX announcement (PDF)
About Northern Star Resources Limited (ASX: NST)
Northern Star Resources Limited is a gold mining and exploration company that engages in the exploration, development, mining, and processing of gold deposits. The company also sells refined gold and operates mining operations in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Alaska.
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