International Women in Mining (IWiM) expands global network, governance and STEM skills with new board appointments
LONDON, May 2019: Leading NEDs, Gillian Davidson and Alex Atkins, have joined IWiM’s board as the organisation looks to expand its network, continues to grow and gives a voice to its members worldwide.
Gillian Davidson, who is the new chair, is a Non-Executive Director (NED) at New Gold Inc and Lydian International and previously served as the Head of Mining & Metals at the World Economic Forum and Head of Social Responsibility at Teck Resources. She has extensive international experience having worked and lived in a number of countries and for a variety of organisations.
IWiM has grown so fast over the last few years the time seemed right to split the role of of CEO/MD and Chair of the Board to increase transparency and improve governance. Set up at the end of 2007, IWiM supports thousands of women professionals working in the mining and metals sector. It is the fastest growing network for women in the mining industry, with members in over 100 countries, supporting 50+ Women in Mining (WIM) groups around the world.
Barbara Dischinger, IWiM’s CEO, said: “We are thrilled to have Gillian with her international approach, connectivity and experience in the mining and metals industry as the new chair, and to have another visible figurehead representing IWiM around the world. Alex’s STEM skills are invaluable to our board and with so many of our members based in Australia it’s great to be able to fill that gap on our team with her appointment.”
Based in Australia, Alex Atkins is NED of Ausdrill Ltd. She is the founder of her own consultancy & Director of Global Mining Sustainability. In 2018 Alex was named one of the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining by WIM UK and in 2019 she was inducted into the Western Australia Women’s Hall of Fame.
Australia is one of the regions with the most women working in mining and also introducing a lot of best practice and one of the only countries with some disaggregated data. Out of our 10,000+ members at least a third are based in Australia. Current board directors are based in North America and Europe, so it was important to have representation in the region.
Commenting on her appointment Atkins said: “My life’s purpose is to promote value creative cultures and prevent value destructive events in mining. The opportunity to join the Board of IWiM will enable me to make mining better through initiatives aimed at retention of STEM mining women. Thank you to Barbara and the board for believing in me, my altruism and my vision.”
Part of IWiM’s objectives for 2019 are to grow relationships with international organisations, expand its research team and output and develop the impact of projects like the mentoring, leadership and conference speaking initiatives.
Davidson said: “I am delighted to join the IWiM board as Chair and look forward to working with a team of passionate volunteers. This is a crucial moment in mining and IWiM has an important role to play in helping our industry and workforce thrive through inclusivity and diversity.”
About Gillian Davidson
Gillian is a leader in sustainability, corporate social responsibility and responsible supply chains with extensive experience in the extractives and natural resources sectors. She is currently a sustainability advisor to global mining companies and international organisations. She is a Non-Executive Director at New Gold Inc and Lydian International, both gold development companies, where she also chairs the Sustainability Committees of the Board. Gillian previously served as the Head of Mining & Metals at the World Economic Forum and Head of Social Responsibility at Teck Resources. Gillian is a member of the Boards of the Global Battery Alliance and Cobalt Institute; a fellow of Chatham House, The Royal Society of International Affairs; a co-chair of the Resolve Natural Resources and the Energy Leadership Council. She holds a PhD in Development Economics and Geography.
About Alex Atkins
Alex’s purpose is to promote value-creative cultures & prevent value-destructive events in mining. She holds 2 BEng degrees from the University of Queensland and WA School of Mines qualifying her as a Mining Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer & Geologist. She holds First Class Mine Manager’s Certificates for WA & Queensland, has an MBA (Finance), is a graduate of AICD and Chartered Professional Fellow of The AusIMM. Alex has 25+ years’ multi-commodity experience through the full mining value chain in roles that find, design & run mines, regulate mines & in the Big4’s auditing mining companies. Alex is a NED of Ausdrill Ltd (ASX:ASL), Founder of her own consultancy & Director of Global Mining Sustainability. In 2019 she was made a Fellow of Engineers Australia. She is also the devoted mother of two beautiful teenagers.
About IWiM
Our vision: Changing the world today for a more inclusive tomorrow.
What we do:
- To change the mining industry for the better – by enabling greater gender parity.
- To change male-dominated attitudes and behaviours, so that women can thrive in their work environments and careers.
- More women in executive management and more women on boards in the sector.
- Support and assist local WIM chapters.
- Provide role models for the younger generation.
- Be the connecting piece: helping women create WIM chapters, connect WIM chapters to each other and to members.
- Be a voice for women where there is not a WIM chapter.
- Develop projects that aim to make the mining sector more inclusive.
- Track data around women in mining.
For more information about IWiM: www.internationalwim.org
To find us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter @IntWIM
#womeninmining
For press queries contact: media@internationalwim.org
Tel: +44 (0)208 876 1049