Stephen Dobson3 Jun 2026 08:56
Theorist – do you know Stephen Dobson? Given the synergies between you and him I’d be amazed if you haven’t crossed paths at some point. Similar age, both good mates with Maclachlan, both worked in investment banking in mining, both know Paul Atherley, both know Pensana intimately – the list goes on and on.
Perhaps you met him at Alan Bond’s 50th? Dobson worked for Merrill Lynch back then and they were a creditor to Bond. Or maybe when he worked in Sydney in 1986 where you first met Maclachlan? Maybe you’ve met at the OBH that you’ve referenced as a great place for a drink, as Dobson lives just down the road?
Anyway, when you do next speak with him I was wondering if you can find something out. As you probably know he joined Rift Valley Resources (the previous name of Pensana) as Non- Exec Chairman in November 2016 and then Exec Chairman in August 2017. Then in March 2018 he announced he wanted to step aside as Exec Chairman once a suitable replacement was found.
What I’d like you to ask Dobson about is what happened next.
On 13th May 2018, Rift Valley put out a press release that stated Paul Atherley had been appointed as Non-Exec Chairman and that Dobson would remain on the board as a Non-Exec Director. https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/196871/rift-valley-resources-appoints-new-chair-to-head-up-magnet-metals-strategy-196871.html
But then on 16th May 2018, Rift Valley put out an extremely blunt RNS announcing Dobson had resigned, effective the day of the RNS. https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20180516/pdf/43v25bwdctxfph.pdf
So Theorist, what I’d like to clear up is what happened in those 3 days between Dobson planning to stay on as a Non-Exec Director and then abruptly leaving. I’d be grateful if you would ask him and report back. That is of course, only if you know him. Many thanks.
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