Management
David Harquail, President & CEO and Director
David Harquail led the successful initial public offering and listing of Franco-Nevada onto the Toronto Stock Exchange in late 2007. He previously held senior executive roles at Newmont Mining Corporation and prior to that was a senior executive of the original Franco-Nevada group of companies from 1987. Mr. Harquail has served on many senior mining boards, industry associations and not-for-profit committees. He holds a degree in geological engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA from McGill University.
Sharon E. Dowdall, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary
Sharon Dowdall has more than 20 years of association with the royalty portfolio assets and served as Vice President of Newmont Capital from 2002-2007. She was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Old Franco from 1999-2002 and Corporate Secretary since 1989. Prior to 1999, she was a Partner at Smith Lyons LLP, a law firm. Ms. Dowdall currently serves as a director of Olivut Resources Ltd. and holds a B.A. (Hons) from the University of Calgary and an LL.B from Osgoode Hall, York University.
H. Geoff Waterman, Chief Operating Officer
Geoff Waterman has more than 18 years of association with the royalty assets, and served as Vice President, Oil & Gas, of Newmont Capital from 2002 to 2007. Prior to that, he held increasingly senior roles at the Old Franco which he joined in 1992. Mr. Waterman was an auditor with Coopers & Lybrand and holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Trent University.
Paul Brink, Senior Vice-President Business Development
Paul Brink joined Newmont Capital in 2006 as Director of Corporate Development. Mr. Brink has experience in mining investment banking, working at BMO Nesbitt Burns and in project financing, working at UBS. Mr. Brink holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Witwatersrand and a Master’s degree in Management Studies from Oxford University.
Steve Alfers, Chief of U.S. Operations
Steve Alfers is Chief of U.S. Operations and besides legal and business roles represents the Corporation on mining law matters through the Northwest Mining Association. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of New West Gold Corporation and prior to that had a 20-year career with large international law firms. Mr. Alfers is a recognized expert in mining law and has advised the United Nations, foreign governments and Congressional committees. He is a graduate from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Steven K. Aaker, Senior Vice-President Acquisitions
Steve Aaker has more than 18 years association with the Franco-Nevada royalty portfolio assets, and served as Group Executive for Newmont Capital. Prior to the acquisition of Old Franco by Newmont, Mr. Aaker served as Vice President for Old Franco, Euro-Nevada Mining Corporation Limited and Redstone Resources Inc. Mr. Aaker has been associated with the majority of the U.S. acquisitions made by those companies. Prior to joining Old Franco, Mr. Aaker was an independent geological consultant. Mr. Aaker also currently serves as a director of International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. and holds a Bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Colorado.