The Board of Avenira have diverse backgrounds and experience which provides a great foundation for decision-making for a varied project portfolio.
With experience including project development, finance, engineering, legal, operations, geology, economics and logistics, the Avenira Board provide a balanced approach for all stages of project delivery.
John He Chairman and CEO
Mr John He brings a unique combination of strategic, operational, and financial expertise, with extensive experience across corporate finance, investment, and resource sector development.
Prior to joining Avenira, Mr John He held senior roles at Roc Partners, where he managed industrial investments and gained hands-on operational experience as a board observer. He also worked with PWC Australia in the M&A team on buy-side and sell-side transactions and capital raisings, and with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in New York on AI implementation projects. Mr John He currently serves on the board of Bullcrest, a lithium mining company in Nigeria.
He holds an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.
Mr Brett Clark Deputy Chairman
Mr Clark is a senior executive with 25 years’ experience in the mining and energy sectors in funding, operations, project development and advisory, with Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd, CRA Limited, WMC Resources Limited, Iron Ore Company of Canada, Rio Tinto Limited and subsequently with Ernst and Young, Tethyan Copper Company Pty Ltd, Oakajee Port and Rail, Mitsubishi Development and Murchison Metals amongst others. Mr Clark has extensive leadership experience in executive and board positions held at both listed and unlisted companies.
His commodity and regional experience covers critical minerals including battery metals, fertilizers, gold, iron ore, copper, nickel, coal, industrial minerals, and upstream oil and gas across Australia, Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America. His funding experience includes project finance, bond raisings, debt restructuring, equity, and mezzanine financing in the US, Asian, European and Australians capital markets.
Mr Clark holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Curtin University in Western Australia and Graduate Diploma of Business Management and Finance from Deakin University in Victoria.
Jason He Executive Director
Mr Jason He is the Director of a commercial property investment fund, where he has led multiple industrial transactions across Australia. Earlier, he worked in Deloitte Australia’s M&A team, advising on buy-side and sell-side transactions across a range of industries.
Mr Jason He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne.
Eddy Cheng Non-Executive Director
Eddy Cheng is an innovative, adaptive and results-oriented Senior Management professional with established leadership credentials, a passion for creativity, and a strong focus on aligning organizational vision with strategic outcomes. Eddy possesses proven expertise in business development, strategic planning, market analysis, and contract negotiation gained over a decade of management and practical experience spanning the Australian hospitality and construction industries.
As a strategic and analytical thinker, Eddy excels in tailoring business planning, improving operational processes and cultivating highly productive teams that drive commercial profitability and organizational growth.
Eddy is an exceptional communicator, adept at liaising between executives and different management teams to foster collaboration and achieve tangible results. Additionally, Eddy possesses a talent for building enduring global business relationships that surpass organizational goals and objectives.
Roger Harris Non-Executive Director
Mr Harris has a B App Science and was the founding director / owner of a large service based company with branches in Western Australia and SE Asia and managed the exit sale that was ultimately acquired by a multi national top 25 ASX listed company. Mr Harris has continued to operate a family office for 30 years investing in the natural resources sector and other asset classes and continues in the development and growth of business’ through mergers and acquisitions.
Ms. Stephanie Yuan Non Executive Director
Ms. Yuan has attained extensive Secretary and Board member roles within Hebang Group, working within both Australian and international subsidiary companies since 2013. Roles have provided expertise in IPO, M&A, corporate restructuring, manufacturing and exporting business activities.
Ms. Yuan completed a Bachelor of Medicine from Tongji University in Shangai in 2005 and a Masters of Management Accounting from Melbourne University in 2013.
Graeme Smith BOARD SECRETARY
Mr Smith is the principal of Wembley Corporate Services which provide corporate secretarial, CFO and governance services. Mr Smith has over 25 years’ experience in company secretarial work.
Sean Buxton Resident Manager
Sean Buxton is a senior mining executive with over 35 years of experience, including 12+ years as General Manager of open pit mines. He is a specialist in greenfield mine startups, having led multiple projects from feasibility to full production.
Most recently, Sean served as GM Operations at Core Lithium’s Finniss Project, where he oversaw the development of Australia’s first lithium mine outside WA—from feasibility through to construction, commissioning, and first shipment. He managed a 300-person workforce and engaged with government and executive stakeholders to deliver the project on schedule.
His prior startup roles include the White Dam Gold Mine (SA), Tomingley Gold (NSW), and McArthur River Mine (NT). Sean has deep expertise in feasibility studies, contract mining, heap leach operations, and mine closure planning.
Andrew McEwan Mining Manager
Professional with more than 28 years of experience in mining, quarrying, and bulk earthworks. Experience includes supervising, managing, contractor management, training, and assessment in open cut mining operations throughout Australia, including remote FIFO locations. Positions held include supervisor, superintendent, trainer/assessor, appointed SSE, and mining manager. Background covers mining, crushing, screening, and processing materials such as phosphate, copper, gold, lead, zinc, coal, and overburden.
Industry knowledge has been applied to support safety procedures and production objectives within mining environments. Provided both operational and project management assistance based on technical skills. Skilled in operating a variety of mining equipment, including excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, water trucks, and haul trucks. Holds qualifications such as a diploma in surface operations management and a practising SSE certificate. Qualified trainer and assessor with experience collaborating with production crews. Coordinated open pit activities, including stripping, drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling. Participated in mining management teams for both clients and contractors, focusing on leadership and training functions.
