K92 Mining (TSX:KNT) has announced a leadership transition, with President and Chief Operating Officer David Medilek appointed chief executive officer and director effective 1 October.
Medilek will succeed John Lewins, who steps down as CEO to become non‑executive chair. Anne Giardini transitions from independent chair to lead director.
The company also promoted Chris Kinver from VP projects and engineering to COO, succeeding Medilek. Susan Scheepers was appointed VP human resources after serving in an acting capacity.
Lewins joined K92 as a founding director in 2016, serving as the first COO before becoming CEO in August 2017.
Under his leadership, the Kainantu Gold Mine progressed from restart in late 2016 to commercial production in early 2018, followed by completion of Stage 2 and Stage 2A expansions and substantial completion of Stage 3 expansion.
The Stage 3 expansion includes a new 1.2-million-tonne-per-annum process plant that has operated since December 2025, performing better than design specifications.
The company reports 98% of Stage 3 expansion capital was spent or committed as at 30 June 2026, remaining on budget.
Board Chair Giardini says John has played a central role in transforming K92 into one of the mining sector’s leading organic growth companies.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank John for his exceptional leadership and service to K92 over the past decade. John has played a central role in transforming K92 into one of the mining sector’s leading organic growth companies, while maintaining capital discipline and limiting shareholder dilution,” Giardini says.
Lewins says it has been an honour to lead the company for the past decade.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to be involved in the initial establishment of K92 and to lead the company for the last decade as we established K92 as a highly profitable mid-tier gold producer,” Lewins adds.
“With an exceptional production growth outlook and exploration pipeline ahead of us, this is the right time to transition leadership.”
Medilek brings 19 years of mining capital markets, corporate strategy, and operating experience. He joined K92 in 2019, previously serving as vice president for business development and investor Relations.
His background includes equity research with Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG), investment banking with Cormark Securities, and mining engineering with Barrick Mining (NYSE:B).
K92 Mining operates the Kainantu Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea, producing gold, copper, and silver.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: K92 Mining
