People (October 01, 2005)

Montreal-headquartered Alcan Inc. has chosen Richard Evans to succeed Travis Engen as the company’s president and CEO. Evans is current executive VP at the company. His appointment will take effect at the end of March 2006.

Devon Energy Corp. of Oklahoma City recently promoted Terry L. Shyer to the position of VP planning and evaluation. Devon Canada is constructing the next oil sands producer, the Jackfish SAGD project, in northern Alberta. Steve Manz has been appointed president and CEO of Vancouver-based Freegold Ventures. His expertise lies in securing financing for junior and mid-tier resources companies.

Vancouver-based Geologix Explorations has named Dunham L. Craig as president. He was formerly VP corporate development at Glencairn Gold and project manager for the Bellavista gold mine in Costa Rica.

Sheldon Inwentash, in addition to his duties as chairman of Toronto-based Maple Minerals, is now CEO of the company and Stuart Taylor, the current VP international operations, becomes president. The changes come as former president L.M. (Gino) Falzone has resigned.

Montreal-based Richmont Mines Inc. has chosen Martin Rivard as the new president and CEO. Rivard holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has worked for the company since 1996, most recently as executive VP. Christian Pichette has been appointed VP of operations. A mining engineer with a master’s degree in rock mechanics, Pichette has more than 25 years experience in the mining field.

Toronto-based SouthernEra Resources Ltd. has appointed Alasdair MacPhee as president and CEO, positions that he has held on an interim basis since July 20. MacPhee holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA, and has 25 years of diamond operating experience, including 17 years of continuous service within the De Beers group.

Taseko Mines Ltd. of Vancouver has appointed John W. McManus, P.Eng., as VP, operations. Most recently, he was the GM of Coal Mountain operations at Elk Valley Coal Corp. Robert Rotzinger, P.Eng., has been appointed as GM of the Gibraltar Joint Venture. He has worked at the Gibraltar mine since 1994.