Richard Pugh Named CEO with $250K Salary Plus Incentives at Gateway Mining

Gateway Mining has appointed seasoned geologist Richard Pugh as CEO, aiming to leverage his deep Yandal Project expertise to fast-track exploration and resource expansion.

  • Richard Pugh appointed CEO effective 1 September 2025
  • Pugh’s 18+ years of geological and leadership experience
  • Direct prior involvement with Yandal Gold Project
  • Remuneration includes $250,000 fixed salary plus incentives
  • Appointment signals strategic focus on exploration acceleration
An image related to Gateway Mining Limited
Image source middle. ©

Strategic Leadership Change at Gateway Mining

Gateway Mining Limited (ASX, GML) has announced the appointment of Richard Pugh as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 September 2025. This leadership change comes as the company intensifies its focus on advancing the Yandal Gold Project in Western Australia, a key asset in Gateway’s portfolio.

Mr. Pugh brings over 18 years of industry experience, including senior roles such as Geology Manager and Technical Director at the Yandal Project under Strickland Metals Limited. His intimate knowledge of the project’s geology and operational nuances is expected to provide Gateway with a significant advantage as it pursues rapid resource growth and new gold discoveries.

A Continuity Play with Growth Ambitions

Executive Chairman Andrew Bray emphasized the strategic nature of Pugh’s appointment, highlighting it as a “natural progression” that ensures continuity. Given Pugh’s prior leadership roles at Yandal, Gateway is positioning itself to maintain momentum in exploration and development activities without the typical disruption that can accompany executive transitions.

The company’s clear intent is to leverage Pugh’s technical expertise and project familiarity to accelerate exploration efforts. This suggests a sharpened focus on unlocking the full potential of the Yandal Project, which has been a cornerstone of Gateway’s growth strategy.

Incentives Aligned with Performance

Pugh’s remuneration package includes a fixed annual salary of $250,000 plus statutory superannuation. Importantly, he is eligible for short-term incentives of up to 50% of his fixed remuneration, contingent on achieving key performance indicators set by the Board. These incentives may be paid in cash, shares, or a combination, aligning his interests closely with shareholder value creation.

Additionally, Pugh will participate in Gateway’s Employee Incentive Scheme, further tying his long-term rewards to the company’s success. The employment agreement also contains standard provisions around confidentiality and intellectual property, underscoring the professional and strategic nature of this appointment.

Looking Ahead

While the announcement does not specify the exact exploration milestones or KPIs linked to Pugh’s incentives, the market will be watching closely for tangible progress at Yandal. Gateway’s decision to elevate a leader with deep project roots signals confidence in the asset’s potential and a commitment to delivering results.

Investors and industry observers should anticipate updates on exploration outcomes and resource developments as early indicators of Pugh’s impact on Gateway’s trajectory.

Bottom Line?

Richard Pugh’s appointment marks a pivotal step for Gateway Mining as it seeks to translate geological expertise into accelerated growth at Yandal.

Questions in the middle?

  • What specific exploration targets and timelines will define Pugh’s key performance indicators?
  • How will Gateway balance short-term incentives with long-term resource development goals?
  • What immediate changes or initiatives might Pugh implement to accelerate discovery at Yandal?