MLG Oz Names Mark Hatfield Acting CEO Amid Leadership Shift

MLG Oz Limited has appointed COO Mark Hatfield as Acting CEO following the temporary leave of CEO Murray Leahy, ensuring leadership continuity in its mining services operations.

  • Mark Hatfield appointed Acting CEO effective immediately
  • Current CEO Murray Leahy on temporary leave supported by the Board
  • Hatfield retains COO responsibilities alongside new role
  • Board and executive team to provide close guidance during transition
  • Acting CEO remuneration details disclosed, including fixed and incentive pay
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Leadership Transition at MLG Oz

MLG Oz Limited (ASX, MLG), a key player in integrated mining services across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, has announced a significant leadership change. Mark Hatfield, the company’s Chief Operating Officer for the past four years, has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. This move comes as the current CEO, Murray Leahy, takes a temporary leave of absence due to personal circumstances.

Experienced Leadership at the Helm

Hatfield brings over 20 years of experience in the mining and heavy equipment sectors, including a notable tenure as Executive General Manager of Plant and Innovation at Macmahon Holdings. His deep operational knowledge and long-standing role as COO position him well to steer MLG through this interim period. Importantly, Hatfield will continue to oversee the company’s operations, maintaining stability during the leadership transition.

Board Support and Executive Collaboration

The Board, led by Chair Anna Neuling, alongside independent directors Garret Dixon and Simon Price, has expressed full support for both Leahy’s leave and Hatfield’s appointment. They will work closely with Hatfield and the broader executive leadership team, including CFO Phil Mirams and Chief Commercial Officer Tom Gregorczyk, to ensure seamless operational continuity. The company reassures stakeholders that its embedded systems and processes will maintain business as usual without disruption.

Remuneration Transparency

In line with regulatory requirements, MLG has disclosed the key terms of Hatfield’s acting CEO arrangements. His total fixed remuneration is set at $545,000 per annum, inclusive of superannuation and non-cash benefits such as motor vehicles. The short-term incentive remains capped at 70% of this fixed remuneration, with a long-term incentive potential up to 100%, consistent with his previous terms.

Looking Ahead

While the duration of Leahy’s leave remains unspecified, MLG’s swift appointment of an experienced internal leader signals a commitment to stability and operational excellence. The mining services sector will be watching closely to see how this leadership adjustment influences MLG’s performance and client relationships in the coming months.

Bottom Line?

MLG’s leadership shuffle underscores resilience but leaves questions on the CEO’s return timeline.

Questions in the middle?

  • How long will Murray Leahy’s temporary leave last?
  • Will Mark Hatfield’s acting role evolve into a permanent CEO appointment?
  • How will this leadership change impact MLG’s operational performance and client confidence?