Management
Walter Coles
Executive Chairman
Mr. Coles has served as CEO and President for several Toronto Venture Stock Exchange listed junior mining exploration and development companies throughout the past several years. Mr. Coles entered the mining business as part of an effort to develop a mineral resource discovered on family farmland in Virginia. He was previously an analyst for Cadence Investment Partners, from 2005 through to 2007. Prior to that Mr. Coles worked for UBS Investment Bank in New York as a Senior Research Analyst in the bank’s High Yield Group. Mr. Coles started at UBS Investment Bank in 1999 as an Associate reporting to the bank’s Global Head of Fixed Income Strategy. Mr. Coles holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Richmond.
Mr. Coles has served as CEO and President for several Toronto Venture Stock Exchange listed junior mining exploration and development companies throughout the past several years. Mr. Coles entered the mining business as part of an effort to develop a mineral resource discovered on family farmland in Virginia. He was previously an analyst for Cadence Investment Partners, from 2005 through to 2007. Prior to that Mr. Coles worked for UBS Investment Bank in New York as a Senior Research Analyst in the bank’s High Yield Group. Mr. Coles started at UBS Investment Bank in 1999 as an Associate reporting to the bank’s Global Head of Fixed Income Strategy. Mr. Coles holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Richmond.
Randy Reichert
President & Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Reichert has 30 years of experience in the mining industry and prior to joining Skeena, was the Vice President of Operations at B2Gold Corp. where he oversaw their three international gold operations. Before his most recent role at B2Gold Corp, Mr. Reichert was the General Manager at their Fekola Mine in Mali where he was part of the development team and led the transition from development into operations. He started his career with Cominco in Canada working at various operations including the Snip Mine. He then embarked on international work with Bema Gold, Oriel Resources, and other junior companies in executive roles where he was responsible for various development projects and mining operations. Randy has led construction or development projects in Russia, Brazil, Nevada, and Kazakhstan and was General Manager during the development of the Kupol Mine in Russia with Bema Gold and subsequently Kinross. He also has experience as a consultant assisting with due diligence for mine financings for Canadian financial groups. Mr. Reichert has a BASc in Mining and Mineral Processing, an MScEng in Rock Mechanics, a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and is a Professional Engineer.
Mr. Reichert has 30 years of experience in the mining industry and prior to joining Skeena, was the Vice President of Operations at B2Gold Corp. where he oversaw their three international gold operations. Before his most recent role at B2Gold Corp, Mr. Reichert was the General Manager at their Fekola Mine in Mali where he was part of the development team and led the transition from development into operations. He started his career with Cominco in Canada working at various operations including the Snip Mine. He then embarked on international work with Bema Gold, Oriel Resources, and other junior companies in executive roles where he was responsible for various development projects and mining operations. Randy has led construction or development projects in Russia, Brazil, Nevada, and Kazakhstan and was General Manager during the development of the Kupol Mine in Russia with Bema Gold and subsequently Kinross. He also has experience as a consultant assisting with due diligence for mine financings for Canadian financial groups. Mr. Reichert has a BASc in Mining and Mineral Processing, an MScEng in Rock Mechanics, a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and is a Professional Engineer.
Andrew MacRitchie, CPA, CA
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. MacRitchie is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has held management roles in several TSX Venture-listed mining companies over his 20+ year career. During that period, he has assisted those companies in raising more than $1.5 billion. He began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers and has since gathered experience working on gold, silver, diamond and base-metals projects in North America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia.
Mr. MacRitchie is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has held management roles in several TSX Venture-listed mining companies over his 20+ year career. During that period, he has assisted those companies in raising more than $1.5 billion. He began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers and has since gathered experience working on gold, silver, diamond and base-metals projects in North America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia.
Justin Himmelright, B. Sc., M. Eng.
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
Mr. Himmelright has over 25 years of experience in environmental management and developing social licence for natural resource projects. He’s a graduate of Simon Fraser University (B.Sc.) and the University of British Columbia (M. Eng.) and is a Registered Professional Biologist in BC. Mr. Himmelright previously served as Vice President responsible for sustainability matters for several publicly listed companies and has also worked as a consultant to Indigenous communities on mining proposals within their Territories and with non-profit organizations. He’s a former Board member of the Yukon Mine Training Association and the Autism Society of BC and is currently an adjunct professor at the Norman Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering (UBC) on the topic of Indigenous peoples and mining in Canada.
Mr. Himmelright has over 25 years of experience in environmental management and developing social licence for natural resource projects. He’s a graduate of Simon Fraser University (B.Sc.) and the University of British Columbia (M. Eng.) and is a Registered Professional Biologist in BC. Mr. Himmelright previously served as Vice President responsible for sustainability matters for several publicly listed companies and has also worked as a consultant to Indigenous communities on mining proposals within their Territories and with non-profit organizations. He’s a former Board member of the Yukon Mine Training Association and the Autism Society of BC and is currently an adjunct professor at the Norman Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering (UBC) on the topic of Indigenous peoples and mining in Canada.
Paul Geddes, B.Sc., P. Geo.
Senior Vice President, Exploration & Resource Development
Mr. Geddes has more than 20 years of exploration and resource development experience in precious and base metals with a focus on economic geology. His career ranges from greenfield to brownfield exploration, holding progressively senior roles with major and junior mining companies including Noranda Mining and Exploration, Teck Exploration, INCO Technical Services, North American Palladium, Rainy River Resources and Barkerville Gold Mines. During his tenure at Rainy River Resources, he was an instrumental member of the team responsible for a ten-fold increase in global gold resources prior to the Company’s takeover by New Gold in 2013. Mr. Geddes is a registered professional geoscientist and member in good standing of EGBC.
Mr. Geddes has more than 20 years of exploration and resource development experience in precious and base metals with a focus on economic geology. His career ranges from greenfield to brownfield exploration, holding progressively senior roles with major and junior mining companies including Noranda Mining and Exploration, Teck Exploration, INCO Technical Services, North American Palladium, Rainy River Resources and Barkerville Gold Mines. During his tenure at Rainy River Resources, he was an instrumental member of the team responsible for a ten-fold increase in global gold resources prior to the Company’s takeover by New Gold in 2013. Mr. Geddes is a registered professional geoscientist and member in good standing of EGBC.
Scott Fulton, P.Eng
Vice President, Construction & Engineering
Mr. Fulton has over 15 years of experience with mine development and was most recently the VP of Project Development with NorZinc at the Prairie Creek Zinc, Lead, Silver Mine in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Prior to NorZinc, Scott worked for consultancies Wood, Hatch, and Hemmera. During Mr. Fulton's time at Wood, he executed on a number of projects in Canada and the US, specifically focusing on brownfield expansions in northern climates. Noteable projects that Mr.Fulton has worked on include New Afton, Kitsault, Mount Emmons, Brucejack, Rainy River and Carlsbad East. He has a B.Eng Hons in Mechanical Engineering and is a Professional Engineer in the Province of British Columbia.
Mr. Fulton has over 15 years of experience with mine development and was most recently the VP of Project Development with NorZinc at the Prairie Creek Zinc, Lead, Silver Mine in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Prior to NorZinc, Scott worked for consultancies Wood, Hatch, and Hemmera. During Mr. Fulton's time at Wood, he executed on a number of projects in Canada and the US, specifically focusing on brownfield expansions in northern climates. Noteable projects that Mr.Fulton has worked on include New Afton, Kitsault, Mount Emmons, Brucejack, Rainy River and Carlsbad East. He has a B.Eng Hons in Mechanical Engineering and is a Professional Engineer in the Province of British Columbia.
Nalaine Morin, B. A.Sc., EP
Vice President, Environment & Regulatory Affairs
Ms. Morin has extensive technical experience in both mining and environmental assessment processes, and is well known for her work to build positive relationships that recognize the role of Indigenous Nations in decision making on Indigenous Lands. Prior to joining Skeena, she was the Lands Director for the Tahltan Central Government. Ms. Morin has been recognized for her leadership as recipient of the 2021 Skookum Jim Award, 2018 Indigenous Trailblazer Award and the 2018 Aura Award. She is also a board member of BC Hydro. Ms. Morin is a nationally recognized professional that has managed environmental reviews of several large resource development projects on behalf of Indigenous Nations. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of British Columbia and a Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Ms. Morin has extensive technical experience in both mining and environmental assessment processes, and is well known for her work to build positive relationships that recognize the role of Indigenous Nations in decision making on Indigenous Lands. Prior to joining Skeena, she was the Lands Director for the Tahltan Central Government. Ms. Morin has been recognized for her leadership as recipient of the 2021 Skookum Jim Award, 2018 Indigenous Trailblazer Award and the 2018 Aura Award. She is also a board member of BC Hydro. Ms. Morin is a nationally recognized professional that has managed environmental reviews of several large resource development projects on behalf of Indigenous Nations. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of British Columbia and a Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Adrian Newton, P. GEO.
Vice President, Exploration
Mr. Newton has over 18 years of precious metals focused international experience working in progressively senior roles with junior exploration through to major mining companies, including Barrick, Fortuna Silver Mines, Calibre Mining and Balmoral Resources. He has worked extensively through North, Central and South America on generative exploration through to development stage projects with a focus on epithermal, porphyry, skarn, intrusive-related, sediment-hosted, VMS and orogenic deposit model types. Mr. Newton holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences from Simon Fraser University and is a registered professional geoscientist in good standing with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia.
Mr. Newton has over 18 years of precious metals focused international experience working in progressively senior roles with junior exploration through to major mining companies, including Barrick, Fortuna Silver Mines, Calibre Mining and Balmoral Resources. He has worked extensively through North, Central and South America on generative exploration through to development stage projects with a focus on epithermal, porphyry, skarn, intrusive-related, sediment-hosted, VMS and orogenic deposit model types. Mr. Newton holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences from Simon Fraser University and is a registered professional geoscientist in good standing with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia.
Kanako Motohashi, B. A., CPHR.
Vice President, People & Culture
Ms. Motohashi has several years of experience in progressively senior Human Resources roles, previously at Goldcorp (Newmont Mining) and most recently Vancouver Film School. She has extensive experience in HR process optimization and shifting culture by building collaborative partnerships, finding the balance between business needs and employee experience, and being a compassionate and inclusive leader. Ms. Motohashi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia in Political Science and a Post Diploma, Technology in Human Resources Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. She also holds her professional Human Resources designation (CPHR).
Ms. Motohashi has several years of experience in progressively senior Human Resources roles, previously at Goldcorp (Newmont Mining) and most recently Vancouver Film School. She has extensive experience in HR process optimization and shifting culture by building collaborative partnerships, finding the balance between business needs and employee experience, and being a compassionate and inclusive leader. Ms. Motohashi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia in Political Science and a Post Diploma, Technology in Human Resources Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. She also holds her professional Human Resources designation (CPHR).
Galina Meleger
Vice President, Investor Relations
Mrs. Meleger brings nearly 20 years of extensive experience in the mining and resource sector in increasing senior capacities. Most recently, she held the role of Vice President Investor Relations with Endeavour Silver Corp and her prior experience included roles with Kirkland Lake Gold, Newmarket Gold, KGHM, and Copper Mountain Mining Corp. Mrs. Meleger is a past recipient of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (“CIRI”) Belle Mulligan Award for Leadership in Investor Relations, along with other awards and recognition within the industry. Mrs. Meleger studied at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (“BCIT”), completing a Business Diploma in Financial Management, is a licensed Corporate Social Responsibility Practitioner and holds a Canadian Investment Manager (“CIM”) designation.
Mrs. Meleger brings nearly 20 years of extensive experience in the mining and resource sector in increasing senior capacities. Most recently, she held the role of Vice President Investor Relations with Endeavour Silver Corp and her prior experience included roles with Kirkland Lake Gold, Newmarket Gold, KGHM, and Copper Mountain Mining Corp. Mrs. Meleger is a past recipient of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (“CIRI”) Belle Mulligan Award for Leadership in Investor Relations, along with other awards and recognition within the industry. Mrs. Meleger studied at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (“BCIT”), completing a Business Diploma in Financial Management, is a licensed Corporate Social Responsibility Practitioner and holds a Canadian Investment Manager (“CIM”) designation.
Kyle Foster
Vice President, Operations
Kyle Foster is an international mining professional with over 15 years of experience in operations and project management within the mining sector. Kyle has been a valuable member of the Skeena Management team since early 2023, applying his skills from his prior role as Skeena’s Senior Director of Operations. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his time in senior positions at several leading mining companies, including Newcrest Mining, B2Gold, Lundin Gold, Cameco, and De Beers. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mining Engineering from the University of British Columbia, is a registered Professional Engineer in British Columbia, and holds several prestigious scholarships and awards, reflecting his commitment and excellence in the mining industry.
Kyle Foster is an international mining professional with over 15 years of experience in operations and project management within the mining sector. Kyle has been a valuable member of the Skeena Management team since early 2023, applying his skills from his prior role as Skeena’s Senior Director of Operations. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his time in senior positions at several leading mining companies, including Newcrest Mining, B2Gold, Lundin Gold, Cameco, and De Beers. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mining Engineering from the University of British Columbia, is a registered Professional Engineer in British Columbia, and holds several prestigious scholarships and awards, reflecting his commitment and excellence in the mining industry.
Eric Casey
Vice President, Finance
Eric Casey is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience in financial services for TSXV, TSX, and NYSE-listed mining companies in progressively senior roles. Eric has been an integral part of the Skeena Management team since August 2018, applying his skills from his prior role as Associate VP, Finance. He brings over 10 years of experience in managing capital and financing packages of over $1.4 billion cumulatively, IPO consultation, internal management and board reporting, and external financial reporting. Eric began his career with Davidson & Company LLP Chartered Professional Accountants and previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of Colorado Resources. Currently, Eric is the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee for the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME BC), reflecting his dedication to shaping policies that influence the mining industry.
Eric Casey is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience in financial services for TSXV, TSX, and NYSE-listed mining companies in progressively senior roles. Eric has been an integral part of the Skeena Management team since August 2018, applying his skills from his prior role as Associate VP, Finance. He brings over 10 years of experience in managing capital and financing packages of over $1.4 billion cumulatively, IPO consultation, internal management and board reporting, and external financial reporting. Eric began his career with Davidson & Company LLP Chartered Professional Accountants and previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of Colorado Resources. Currently, Eric is the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee for the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME BC), reflecting his dedication to shaping policies that influence the mining industry.