Executive Mentoring Program
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Executive Mentoring Program.
About the Executive Mentoring Program
This program offers our senior alumni members the opportunity to receive world-class mentoring from one of our esteemed mentors, all of whom have comprehensive expertise in top-tier positions at board level in various organisations to ASX500 level.
Each mentor will be paired with one mentee, meticulously chosen from a competitive pool of applicants. Mentors and mentees will meet on a regular basis from November 2026 – early February 2027. Both parties will determine the frequency of meetings and the topics to be discussed. This will give mentees time to further enhance their skills and capabilities under the guidance of their mentors.
A formal event will be held in mid-February 2027, during which mentees will have the opportunity to showcase their journey and accomplishments to the mentors of the Executive Mentoring Program, along with invited guests. Only six mentees will be selected to participate in the program.
Who should apply for this program?
You should consider applying if you:
– Are a WASM graduate / WASM Alumni
– Are either new to an executive role or aspiring to attain one
– Aspire to ascend to an executive position and require guidance in formulating strategies to navigate your path to success
– Possess a minimum of 10 years of professional experience
– Have previously participated in a mentoring program
In addition you must commit to:
– 10 hours per month for the duration of the program
– Make contact with your Mentor at least once a fortnight
– Be prepared for each mentoring session and be an active participant
All applicants must complete an application form and submit their CV. Please give yourself amply time to complete the application form. Only six (6) mentees will be selected to participate in this program.
How do you apply?
Meet our Mentors
Marnie Finlayson – Managing Director, DevEx Resources
Marnie Finlayson is Managing Director of DevEx Resources and serves as a Non-Executive Director of Northern Star Resources. She is a highly respected leader in the Australian resources sector, with more than 25 years of experience spanning mining, minerals processing, project development and executive leadership.
Prior to joining DevEx Resources in 2025, Marnie spent 17 years with Rio Tinto, where she held a range of senior operational and leadership roles across Australia and internationally. Most recently, she served as Managing Director of Rio Tinto’s Battery Materials business, leading the development of the company’s battery materials portfolio through strategic investments, partnerships and projects across North America, South America and Europe.
A graduate of the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM), Marnie holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Minerals Engineering) with Honours. Marnie is passionate about the critical role of the resources industry in supporting the global energy transition, developing future industry leaders, and creating high-performing, values-driven workplaces.
Stuart Tonkin – Mining executive and experienced industry leader
Stuart Tonkin is a highly regarded mining executive with more than two decades of experience across mine operations, engineering, leadership and strategic growth.
A graduate of the Western Australian School of Mines with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) with Honours, Stuart has held senior leadership roles across Australia’s resources sector. Stuart joined Northern Star Resources in 2013 as Chief Operating Officer and went on to serve as CEO and Managing Director, playing a key role in the company’s growth into a leading Australian gold producer before stepping down from the role.
Prior to Northern Star, Stuart held senior roles with Barminco, Oxiana and Newmont Mining Corporation, with extensive experience spanning underground and open-pit mining, project development and operational excellence.
Stuart is also a Life Member of the WA School of Mines Alumni, recognising his contribution to WASM, the Alumni and the resources sector.
Matt Nixon – Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Minerals Limited
Matt Nixon is Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Minerals Limited and an experienced mining executive with extensive operational and leadership experience across the Australian gold sector.
A UNSW graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) with Honours, Matt has held senior roles across underground mining, operations and executive leadership. Since joining Genesis in 2023, he has served as General Manager of Leonora Operations and Chief Operating Officer before being appointed CEO in 2026, contributing to the company’s operational performance and growth.
Previously, Matt was CEO and COO of Labyrinth Resources and held senior operational roles with Northern Star Resources at Jundee. Earlier in his career, he worked with Doray Minerals, St Barbara and Redpath Mining Australia.
Matt is focused on building high-performing teams and delivering sustainable outcomes, with a strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and operational excellence. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency.
Ajanth (AJ) Saverimutto – Managing Director, Wildcat Resources
AJ is Managing Director of Wildcat Resources and an accomplished mining executive with more than 25 years of Australian and international experience. He has held senior operational and corporate leadership roles, with expertise spanning mining operations, project development, resource evaluation, M&A and strategic growth.
Appointed Managing Director of Wildcat Resources in 2023, AJ is leading the development of the company’s flagship lithium assets, including the Tabba Tabba Lithium Project in Western Australia. Previously, he served as CEO of Cherish Metals, Managing Director of Venturex Resources and founding Managing Director of Salt Lake Mining, now Karora Resources. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director of Grange Resources.
Earlier in his career, AJ held senior roles with Freeport-McMoRan at the Grasberg Copper-Gold Operation in Indonesia and BHP’s nickel operations in Western Australia.
A WASM graduate, AJ holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) with Honours, a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate.
Luke Creagh – Chief Executive Officer, Ora Banda Mining
Luke Creagh is a highly regarded mining executive with extensive experience leading and operating major Australian gold mining businesses. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of Ora Banda Mining Limited, a position he has held since July 2022, where he is responsible for driving the company’s strategic growth, operational performance, and long-term value creation. Prior to joining Ora Banda, Luke held senior leadership roles across the resources sector, including serving as Chief Operating Officer at Northern Star Resources Limited, one of Australia’s leading gold producers.
With a strong background in mine operations, project development, and executive leadership, Luke has built a reputation for delivering operational excellence, fostering high-performing teams, and creating sustainable growth within the mining industry. His leadership continues to play a key role in advancing Ora Banda Mining’s position as an emerging Australian gold producer.
Myles Ertzen – Non-Executive Director, Capricorn Metals
Myles Ertzen is an accomplished mining industry executive and corporate director with over 25 years of experience across operations, project permitting, and business development. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Capricorn Metals, a position he has held since September 2019.
Throughout his career, Myles has established a strong track record of driving growth and operational success for gold mining and development companies in Western Australia. He spent nearly a decade as a senior executive at Regis Resources Limited, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion, culminating in his tenure as Executive General Manager – Growth.
In addition to his role at Capricorn Metals, where he lends his expertise to the Risk Management and Sustainability Committee, Myles holds non-executive directorships at Red Hill Minerals and Peel Mining.
Myles holds a Bachelor of Science from the Western Australian School of Mines and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance.
If you are ready to take your career to the next level then apply for the 2026/27 Executive Mentoring Program.
If you have any questions, contact admin@wasma.com.au
Past Executive Mentoring Program Participants
We are pleased to recognise the mentors and mentees who have participated in our 2025/2026 Executive Mentoring Program. This three-month program provided mentees with the opportunity to receive valuable guidance and insight from our esteemed mentors.
