Board & management

Khosrow Zamani

Non-Executive Chairman Age: 82

Former director Southern Europe and Central Asia of the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) from 2000 – 2005. Oversaw the IFC portfolio of more than $2 billion, diversified across the financial, oil and gas and mining industries. Over 30 years’ experience in investment and project finance and banking in emerging markets. Formerly non-executive board member and chairman of the corporate governance committee of Sekerbank A.S. and non-executive director of the compensation committee of Komercijalna Bank, Serbia.

• Committees
• A Audit Committee
• R Remuneration Committee
• N Nomination Committee

Reza Vaziri

President and Chief Executive Age: 72

Head of the foreign relations office at the ministry of the Imperial Court of Iran before moving to the US in 1980. Prominent businessman in Azerbaijan. Holds a law degree from the national university of Iran.

• Committees
• H Health, Safety, Environment and Technology Committee

Governor John H Sununu

Non-Executive Director Age: 85

Two terms Governor of New Hampshire, USA. Former chief of staff to President George H.W. Bush 1989-1992. Former partner in Trinity International Partners and currently serves as President of JHS Associates, Ltd.

• Committees
• A Audit Committee
• R Remuneration Committee
• N Nomination Committee

Professor John Monhemius

Non-Executive Director Age: 82

Over 40 years’ experience in hydrometallurgy and environmental control in mining and metallurgical processes. Co-founder and director of Consort Research Ltd, a consultancy to large mining and chemical companies specialising in gold and base metal ore processing. Former director of Obtala Resources plc.

• Committees
• H Health, Safety, Environment and Technology Committee
• S Sustainability Committee

Michael Sununu

Non-Executive Director Age: 57

Wealth of financial and directorial experience and former board member of Optima Bank & Trust. Founder and Manager of Sununu Enterprises LLC and Sununu Holdings LLC and consultant to energy, materials and infrastructure industries. Holds a BSc from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University majoring in finance and accounting. Member of the board of Purpose Energy Inc. and member of the Investment Committee for the New Hampshire Historical Society.

Farhang Hedjazi

Chief Operating Officer

Worked in the industry since 1985 and has constructed process plants including zinc smelters, CIL plants, gold heap leach facilities and managed underground mines. Oversees all mining and exploration activities. Previously worked for the national Iranian lead and zinc company as chief process engineer, before founding Kahanroba engineering company. Holds an MSc in non-ferrous extractive metallurgy.

William Morgan

Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary

UK chartered accountant with over 45 years accountancy and financial management experience in the UK, Far East, Africa, Kazakhstan and Russia. Previously regional CFO for Kinross – Russia Region, CFO Hambledon Mining plc and Bakyrchik Gold plc. 20 plus years of experience in the gold mining industry in Russia/FSU.

Stephen Westhead

Vice President

UK chartered geologist with over 30 years of experience in India, CIS, Eastern Europe and Russia. Previously technical advisor to the managing director of Polyus Gold’s main business unit. Project management expertise from exploration, construction and production. PhD in structural controls on mineralisation, a MSc in mineral exploration and mining geology and a BSc in applied geology.

Amirreza Vaziri

Chief Business Development Officer

Previous roles ranging from co-founder and CEO of a tech start-up to director of business development at an international technology company. Strong focus on partnerships and M&A, in line with the Company’s strategic vision for growth. Holds a BA in international business from the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, MSc in international management from Kings College London.

Ilham Khalilov

Vice President of Finance & Commercial Operations

Ilham joined the company in July 2013 as a Financial Controller. Prior to that, he worked at the EY Baku office, one of the Big Four audit firms, where he managed financial audits for clients in the oil and gas and mining sectors.

Ilham holds a degree in Finance from the Azerbaijan State University of Economics and an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business awarded by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). In November 2021, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Warwick Business School.

Afchine Tabrizian

Vice President of Procurement, HR & IT

As Vice President, Afchine Tabrizian oversees Procurement, Human Resources, and Information Technology, leading a highly skilled team of seasoned professionals. With more than 35 years of international experience, Afchine began his career in Technology Services, progressively developing his technical expertise and leadership acumen across multiple global organizations.

Prior to his current role, he served as Vice President of Sales for a U.S.-based Internet of Things (IoT) company, managing operations across the MENA, CIS, and Turkey regions. In his current capacity, Afchine leverages his extensive technical background and strategic leadership to ensure that HR, IT, and Procurement functions operate with efficiency, alignment, and excellence.