RICHMOND, BC, CANADA (October 7, 2016) — We're excited to announce that mining technology veteran Andrew Pyne is taking the helm as President and CEO of Wenco on October 12, following the retirement of founder Phil Walshe on October 11.
Pyne comes to us bringing more than two decades of leadership in the mining industry, most recently serving as Vice President, Mining of Dassault Systèmes GEOVIA. In that role, he drove the overall vision for mining held by the multinational 3D software company. Under his direction, a team of over 300 personnel excelled at delivering new, innovative solutions to address real challenges for the industry.
His time at Dassault built on a lengthy career fostering relationships and establishing business channels with mining leaders worldwide. Originally from Australia, Pyne has opened new companies in Russia, India, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan. He has also arranged reseller agreements in many secondary markets.
"Andrew's international experience, the relationships he has within the industry, and his drive for great innovation make him just an outstanding choice to lead Wenco, now that I'm retiring," said Walshe.
Walshe founded Wenco in 1986 with two other engineers from Westar Mining Ltd., a British Columbia-based energy producer. Since then, his work has raised performance in the mining industry, harnessing the power of advanced technology to solve real mining problems. President and CEO since 2005, Walshe also steered the acquisition of Wenco by Hitachi Construction Machinery in 2009.
Now, 40 years after graduation from the Haileybury School of Mines in Ontario and the Royal School of Mines at Imperial College London, Walshe has passed the torch. He will continue to serve part-time as Senior Advisor to the Wenco Board of Directors.
"Of course, it's difficult to take a step back from a company you've helped build from the ground up," said Walshe. "But, I'm very happy to know that, with Andrew, I'm leaving Wenco in such capable hands.
"He's coming in with such a strong vision of where he wants to take the company, how to leverage the relationship we have with Hitachi. And, he's got the knowledge and ability to get it done. We're very fortunate to have him on board."
Pyne feels similarly about his new position. "I'm really looking forward to bringing my experience to such a true innovator in mining technology like Wenco. There's so much natural talent here in the organization and, with the support we get from Hitachi, we can absolutely create an environment where it can flourish.
"I'm very glad to be here."
For more information, please contact Human Resources Manager Shazma Nazarali at snazarali@wencomine.com or at 604.270.8277.