Our leadership team

Gerhard Veldsman

BEng (Mech), MEng (Mech)

Chief Executive Officer

Gerhard Veldsman is Chief Executive Officer, Operations at Hancock Prospecting, with responsibility for the two iron ore producing businesses Roy Hill and Atlas Iron.

Gerhard has extensive mining industry experience spanning various commodities and operations in Australia and South Africa, including more than a decade in iron ore.

He has managed mine, port, and rail operations in the Pilbara, overseen major capital projects, and led organisation wide strategic planning and implementation.

Gerhard initially joined Roy Hill as Chief Operating Officer in August 2019 and was named Chief Operating Officer of the Year in 2020 by CEO Magazine.

He has previously held senior management positions at Fortescue Metals Group, BHP, and BIS Industries.

Dale Harris

B Eng (Elec, Hons), MBA

Chief Operating Officer

Dale joined Roy Hill in November 2023 as Chief Operating Officer.

With over 30 years of experience in the resources sector, Dale has held senior executive, operations leadership, project and business development roles across multiple commodities and geographies including Australia, Indonesia, China, Brazil and most recently Tanzania.

He knows the Pilbara and the iron ore industry, having spent 15 years with Rio Tinto’s iron ore product group including four years living in the picturesque Pilbara town of Tom Price. Dale greatest satisfaction is working with teams to support them in delivering outstanding results, be that in safety, operational productivity, or project delivery.

In addition to his almost 20 years’ service with Rio Tinto, Dale has previously held senior positions with mid-west iron ore producer Karara Mining and global engineering and technology company Hatch where he led several major engagements supporting the global iron ore majors.

Greg Hawkins

BCom, FCA

Chief Financial Officer

Greg joined Roy Hill in August 2016 and has over 30 years of financial and operational experience in the resources sector in Australia, United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea and Eastern Africa.

Previously, Greg was the Executive Director, Finance for Emeco Group and prior to that was President and CEO of African Barrick Gold plc., listed on the main board of the London Stock Exchange. Greg has also held senior management positions with Barrick Gold Corporation.

Dean White

BEng (Mining), Grad Dip (Business), Unrestricted Quarry Manager Ticket

Executive General Manager Technical Services

Dean joined Roy Hill in March 2017 and has 33 years’ experience in the resource sector working across coal, gold, nickel and iron ore within several blue-chip companies.

In addition to extensive operational experience, Dean has managed large-scale integrated operating centres and earth science teams.

Prior to Roy Hill, Dean has held senior management positions with BHP and Newcrest.

Kate Flanagan

BCom (International Business)

Executive GM IM & Technology

Kate joined Roy Hill in 2022, bringing more than a decade of experience in the resources industry working across Operations, Projects and Technology.

Kate has extensive technology leadership experience spanning various commodities and operations in Australia, South America, North America and Canada. She is a passionate leader who thrives on building high performing technical and operational teams through a deliberate focus on culture and people.

Prior to joining Roy Hill, Kate held several positions managing large-scale technology operations teams for BHP.

Tess Lackovic

BSc (Psychology), Masters (Commerce)

Executive General Manager People and Culture

Tess joined Roy Hill in October 2023 as Executive General Manager People and Culture and is responsible for leading the development and execution of the businesses people and culture strategic plan.

In addition to her people and culture experience, Tess has also led ESG, Health and Safety and Agricultural executive portfolios. Tess is leader who understands how to integrate culture and broader business priorities into a connected ecosystem within the organisation.

Prior to joining Roy Hill, Tess held several senior management positions across the critical minerals, construction, oil and gas, water, power and manufacturing industries and worked for businesses including Australian Strategic Materials, Kentz SNC Lavalin, and BHP Iron Ore.

Extended Leadership Team

Roy Hill’s Extended Leadership Team leads the business in our vision to be a high performing iron ore business where people contribute and realise their full potential.