Perth Mint hunting for new boss following shock resignation

The Gold Corporation, which operates as The Perth Mint, is on the hunt for a new chief executive officer following the shock resignation of Jason Waters.

Mr Waters was a centre of attention when it was recently revealed that a review is being undertaken into the size of gold bars being sold to China.

He is leaving the Perth Mint to take up the chief executive officer role at the Perth Airport.

In March, in the midst of the Chinese gold bar controversy, Gold Corporation non-executive chairman, Sam Walsh, highlighted Mr Waters appointment in 2022 as “a vital step in the major overhaul of The Perth Mint’s executive leadership team.”

In revealing Mr Waters decision this week to hand over the reigns at the Perth Mint, Mr Walsh said he was disappointed to accept his resignation.

However, he lauded Mr Waters’ achievements and strength of leadership in a challenging period for the organisation.

He noted that Mr Waters had held a key role in overseeing significant and positive changes including addressing historical shortcomings and non-compliance issues.

Mr Waters acknowledged that his role at the Perth Mint had been a challenging but hugely rewarding experience.

“The Perth Mint is working hard to meet its obligations to the WA community, the gold mining sector and its business partners and customers around the world,” he stated.

Perth airport role

Mr Waters joins the Perth Airport team after stints with the Perth Mint, Synergy and Verve Australia.

Perth Airport chairman, Rob Cole, says he will bring the skills and background to lead Perth Airport through its next wave of growth.

This will include delivering Perth’s New Runway and the planned consolidation of all flights into an Airport Central precinct.

Gold bar issue

In September 2021, the Gold Corporation Board was notified that some of The Perth Mint’s 99.99% gold did not conform to the non-gold specifications of the Shanghai Gold Exchange.

A major review of operations was then put in place to assess the matter.

The WA government was advised of the issue and its resolution in January 2022.

“I would like to emphasise that all 99.99 gold bullion bars sold by The Perth Mint are a minimum 99.99% gold purity. There has been no gold dilution as reported in some media. This is the specification that The Perth Mint has always maintained. The Perth Mint continues to guarantee the quality of its bullion to this high standard,” Mr Walsh stated.

He added that the Perth Mint is participating in an Incident Review being conducted by the London Bullion Market.

The Perth Mint is preparing to celebrate its 125th anniversary next year.