Mining Non-Executive Director and champion for diversity, Sharon Warburton, is the second woman to join the Gold Industry Group (GIG) Board as a Director, following the appointment of Gold Fields Australia Vice President of Legal and Compliance, Kelly Carter, to Vice Chairperson in November 2016. 

Sharon Warburton presenting at the Gold Industry Group's Women in Gold event at The Perth Mint

GIG Chairperson and Perth Mint Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hayes, said he was thrilled to welcome Ms Warburton and Ms Carter to the team.

“Both these women are leading the way by championing change in their companies and the wider industry, and we are delighted to have them on the GIG Board,” said Mr Hayes.

“Our role is to champion the gold industry and that includes diversity in the workplace. 

Kelly Carter presenting at the Gold Industry Group's Women in Gold event at The Perth Mint

“In our first year, the inaugural Women in Gold event, held in conjunction with Women in Mining WA, was the highlight of our events calendar with more than 300 industry professionals turning up to hear these outstanding women share their inspiring stories and experiences in the industry.

“Our next Women in Gold event will be held in conjunction with Women in Mining WA on 17 November at The Perth Mint.”

Sharon Warburton sits on a number of boards, including GIG founding member, Gold Road Resources. An advocate for workplace flexibility, diversity and work-life balance, she inspires emerging leaders through her digital mentoring platform, Steel Heels. 

"I am delighted to donate my time and energy to support the amazing work undertaken by the GIG to promote the benefits of the gold mining industry to Australia. I also look forward to encouraging our female and male emerging leaders to consider a career in the gold industry."

Gold Fields Vice President of Legal and Compliance, Kelly Carter, was appointed Vice Chairperson at the GIG’s Annual General Meeting in November, following the retirement of Richard Weston. 

Gold Fields is the world’s seventh-biggest gold producer, and Ms Carter plays a key role in overseeing the company’s operational performance and regional strategy as a member of its Regional Executive. She is most passionate about improving women’s participation in all areas of the business, and is a current finalist in both the 40under40 and CME Women in Resources Awards.  

“Following the success of the Gold Industry Group’s Women in Gold event, I could see how important it is for members of our industry to see senior women represented in key groups like the Gold Industry Group. We have a great opportunity to support all members of our industry community through collaboration, and in providing opportunities to network and share experiences. I am truly excited by this opportunity.”

“The GIG has a very strong Board and effective leadership, and we are committed to growing and promoting gold’s significant role in Australia and beyond,” concluded Mr Hayes.

“Our membership continues to grow and we have a range of exciting community and industry projects planned for 2017.

Women in Gold event at The Perth Mint