Orezone Announces Planned Board Succession and New Board Nominee

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (“Orezone” or the “Company”) announces the upcoming retirement of Michael Halvorson and Charles Oliver as part of the Company’s board succession plan and welcomes Tara Hassan as a new board nominee.

Board Succession

Mr. Halvorson, who has been a director of the Company since 2009 and Chair of the board since 2018, has announced to the Company that he will retire from the Chair position and not stand for re-election at the annual general meeting of shareholders to be held on June 7, 2024 (the “AGM”).  

Chair Emeritus and Special Advisor – Michael Halvorson

As recognition for his significant contributions to the Company, the board of directors has conferred to Mr. Halvorson the honorary status of Chair Emeritus and Special Advisor to the executive leadership of the Company.

Mr. Downey, President and CEO, commented, “I have worked very closely with Michael since my appointment as CEO in 2017 and his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in shaping the Company and in setting it up for more future success. His stewardship and input were instrumental in guiding the Company as it developed the Bomboré project through exploration, development, and ultimately into a successful producing gold mine through some very challenging times, including COVID. The appointment of Michael as Chair Emeritus and Special Advisor is truly well-earned and I look forward to his continued sage advice and involvement.”

Mr. Halvorson stated, “It has been an honour to serve on the Orezone board and as a Chair. I would like to thank the Company and all of its stakeholders for the opportunity to be part of the Company’s governing body. The Company has achieved many milestones and to be part of these achievements has been a privilege. As the Company continues into its next stage of development, the board and I believe now is the right time to transition to a new Chair. With talented and passionate employees and a strong leadership group, the Company is well positioned to deliver on its Phase II Hard Rock expansion with early engineering and securing of the senior debt from Coris Bank well advanced. As a large shareholder, I look forward to the Company’s continued success.”